Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for the constructive and very useful debate on Second Stage and today. This Bill gives us the enabling legal framework for a unique identifier system for individuals and health service providers right across the public and private health system. It is worth saying again that first and foremost, a unique identifier system is an important component of a safe health service, helping to ensure that the right information is associated with the right individual at the point of care. An identifier system will also support health service management and delivery systems and facilitate the e-health agenda.

The Second Stage debate and our discussion today demonstrates that we share a common view of the benefits of an identifier system. I thank Senators for the positive approach taken across the House and for their useful and productive debate on the issues concerned during the consideration of the Bill.