Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is the type of policy that would make Senator Mullen proud. During the debate on the amendment Bill in this House this year, the Minister for Health promised families that those Parts would be commenced by October. Anxiety among families is growing. It has steadily increased every time the Department has missed its deadlines and there have been six missed in total. In the most recent response to a parliamentary question, the Department of Health is indicating that it may amend Part 9 prior to commencement, yet another likely delay of rights that should have been afforded years ago.

The Leader must make time available next week for one of the Ministers for Health, Justice and Equality or Employment Affairs and Social Protection to come to the Seanad and provide us with an update. Enough is enough. Given the delays and missed deadlines it is time for a bit of honesty and transparency from Government. I am sick of it, others are sick of it and most certainly the affected families are sick of it.