James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 4, line 33, to delete “team of medical professionals comprising” and substitute “cross-functional team of medical professionals comprising for example”.

I have tabled amendment No. 1 to make it very clear the list of professionals to be involved is not exclusive. I hope Members will agree to making it as inclusive as possible, depending on the circumstances of the individual involved.

Amendment No. 2 proposes to delete lines 3 and 4 on page 5 and substitute the following:

(v) a behavioural therapist,

(vi) where indicated, a social worker, and

(vii) other professionals as may be deemed appropriate...

Again it is to ensure we would have a provision that would be as inclusive as possible, given the circumstances of any individual involved and the different professionals involved. There may also be others who may be involved.

Amendment No. 3 proposed to delete on line 7 on page 5 the word “annual” and substitute “at least annually”. In some ways, it is self-explanatory because it is very clear that in certain circumstances people will need to be reviewed more frequently than annually. The inclusion of the phrase "at least annually" would make sure there would be an annual review. In many circumstances they might be a need for more frequent reviews, but I did not want the amendment to be misconstrued in any way.

Amendment No. 4 proposes to delete on line 21 on page 5 the words “of care”. This is important because, on reflection and in discussions with the Department, we were concerned that it would only be seen as a care issue and that other issues such as employment, housing, transport and so on would not be included. We want a clear pathway for the person who looks at all issues in terms of his or her ability to lead as independent a life as possible.

I hope Members, as well as the Minister, can agree to include the amendments in the Bill.