Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I raised this matter on Second Stage. The Bill allows for a garda to enter a hospital without a search warrant in order to take a sample from somebody admitted to hospital. I understand this can only be taken if the medical authorities allow it and judge that it would not be injurious to an individual's health. What implications will that have for medical practitioners such as junior doctors and others in accident and emergency departments? Has there been a level of consultation with the medical profession in this regard? What protections are envisaged for doctors and nurses who allow for a sample to be taken and where the patient has a sudden deterioration in health or even dies? This is a significant question that was not really addressed on Second Stage.