Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I assure Senators that I gave great thought to their valuable contributions on Committee Stage. The care needs assessment is holistic in nature. It is broad and inclusive by virtue of the fact that any other matter that affects people's ability to care for themselves, as referred to in section 7(6)(d), the category concerning family and community care, and all such issues will be taken into when undertaking a care needs assessment. The guidance document on care needs assessment being prepared by the HSE takes into account a person's views and preferences and mental health. The person undertaking the care needs assessment must be suitable, a term defined in section 3 as meaning that "the person has the necessary qualifications, training or experience ... to perform that function". This ensures all members of the multidisciplinary team can take part in the assessment. The term is all-encompassing and does not omit any professional. I will examine the many complex issues in defining multidisciplinary teams in the guidelines and I will also propose that this matter be part of the review in three years' time.