Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We welcome the Bill which we have discussed at length in this House on different occasions and it is about time that changes take place in the HSE. The two patient advocates is a great idea but I take on board Senator Ruane's point about whether the high standard of professionalism omits and disqualifies others from being a member of that board. It is prudent and best practice to have these advocates with their core skills and expertise in knowing what it is to be and to represent patients at the core of what we do within the health service.

It is a pity to have to state that the HSE did not respect the wishes of Seanad Éireann when we wanted to put patient advocates on their steering, policy and decision-making boards. This will modernise our health service and it will happen. It is inevitable so why not just do it now? Is the Minister of State in thrall or are his hands tied by the HSE's adamant, stubborn decision not to allow patient voices at this and different tables throughout the tiers of the executive where they are much needed and where confidence in the HSE is at rock bottom? If there is any at all, it has been severely dented. It has cost the HSE its credibility and cost women their lives in the recent scandals that have affected us.

We will support the Bill, as Sinn Féin believes it is timely and much-needed. We will continue also to push for a voice for the ordinary, wonderful HSE workers at the coalface who know what they face and have practical experience on a day-to-day level and who liaise closely and are advocates for their patients as well. We will push that aspect on Committee Stage in the Dáil but, overall, we welcome the Bill as it is.