Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for her response. She has clearly tried to address the issues raised on Committee Stage in the Dáil and I accept that consent is very important. It is interesting, however, that the code of practice for integrated discharge planning by the HSE, which is supported by Age Action and everyone else with an interest in this area, emphasises the need for sharing information between services. It is common sense that a care assessment should be passed on in the interest of the patient. As Senator Mullen noted, this should be done subject to consent. Perhaps the Minister of State will consider that on Report Stage, at which point we may table a new amendment.