Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. As one of the proposers of the amendment, I was delighted to be able to attend in full the briefing yesterday that the Minister held so helpfully with Dr. Peter Boylan, Dr. Mark Murphy and others. I found it really instructive. As one of the proposers of the amendment, and as I explained at the meeting yesterday, I had also taken the view that "consulted with" was more inclusive and less paternalistic than "examined". However, having listened to the briefing, particularly to the explanation of Dr. Boylan and Dr. Murphy, I was persuaded that "examined" is preferable. Senator Devine spoke very powerfully from her professional experience about the use of the word. Therefore, I am happy with the word. Notwithstanding that I have co-signed the amendment, I would be happier to see it withdrawn and not put to a vote.