Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Can I ask about an aspect of this amendment that has attracted my attention? Perhaps the Minister of State will be able to explain it well. It seems this section of the Bill does not make it necessary to consult any of the four people listed in it. I am not sure I understand it correctly. I accept it might be necessary not to consult a parent or a guardian, but it is hard to understand why at least one of the four people should not be consulted. Perhaps I have not thought of a specific circumstance. I spoke recently about my concern that Ireland is becoming such a nanny state that we protect ourselves from everything. Maybe there is a very solid and valid reason for this provision. I assume everything is covered by the use of the term "having regard to the protection of the life, health, safety, development or welfare of the child", in the context of the HSE being "satisfied that there is reasonable cause to believe it is not in the best interests of the child" to consult one of these people. However, I am concerned that nobody will be consulted. The Minister of State may well have a valid reason for doing this, but it seems to be over the top.