Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

This is a follow-up to the debate we had earlier. It must be understood that the section we propose to amend predates the establishment of the HSE. The thrust of my argument is a repetition of what I have already articulated. To make the system work departmental responsibility must be assigned to a group of people who are subject to Cabinet responsibility and collective direction. We hope to get the joined-up co-operation of the various national services and agencies but this is a legal clarification of what has emerged from the past and which no longer fits the contours of the present.