Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 15, lines 20 and 21, to delete ", or has been, or may at a future time be,".

I do not understand why this wording is included in the Bill. Essentially, it gives the CEO the option of not disclosing any information if he or she wishes and to say that it may be subject to court proceedings in his or her opinion. If something was subject to court proceedings and they are finished then that issue should be allowed to be discussed in the Committee of Public Accounts or the health committee to ensure accountability. What is even more confusing is the inclusion of something which may be subject to court proceedings in the future. This is fairly wishy-washy. It effectively gives the CEO the power to not discuss anything if he or she wishes. Its inclusion allows for too broad an interpretation and the provision should be amended to rectify this. This is an opportunity to prevent the CEO from hiding behind the suggestion that it may be subject to court proceedings, as is done on a frequent basis across this country in various circumstances. When that is said we are all scared away from it. I do not believe it is strong enough to allow a CEO to say that. Health issues of great importance to the nation need to be discussed. We know what transparency means to us now. We know the word inside out from the last few months. I will press this amendment and hope the House will support it.