Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the Bill. It is difficult speaking now that I know the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, has said he will not be accepting it. I apologise for not having been able to make it for his speech. I was absolutely surprised to hear the Bill was not being accepted. In 2009, when in opposition, the Minister published his own Bill in this area, the Medical Practitioners (Professional Indemnity) (Amendment) Bill. I am quite confident that Senator Colm Burke examined it with a fine tooth comb to determine how well he could marry it with his Bill, the purpose of which is to introduce a requirement for professional indemnity cover for medical practitioners. The aim is the same. Is the Senator's Bill being rejected because it is being introduced in the Seanad? As Senator David Norris stated, there was a Bill in the Seanad to which 200 amendments were accepted. There could not be very many amendments associated with a three or four page Bill.

Is it too late to examine the 2009 Bill to determine where it is similar to and different from the Bill before us? Is there any comeback on it? If the intention of the 2009 Bill was the same as that of the Bill before us, we have an ideal opportunity to use the Chamber to address this matter, bearing in mind that the other legislative House is so busy. The Bill is important. While most doctors have cover, only one doctor must have no or insufficient cover to pose a problem. Is there a minimum level of cover? All these questions must be answered. I support the Bill, but I am disappointed we cannot advance it further. Is there any comeback on it? I do not know.