Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On that point and the other points, I expect that many of us want to be consulted about the amending Bill the Minister intends to bring forward in the autumn.

On what was said about the quality of diagnostics and governance, on Second Stage I indicated my concern about public procurement. I have had some indications that that would not be within the scope, potentially, but I am sure we will get a chance to discuss the tribunal's recommendations.

The Minister has given some assurance about this specific issue. In terms of the general issue, I am sure he will be aware that I have brought forward legislation that seeks to ensure we use a price-quality ratio model with an emphasis on quality as the default position, rather than the lowest cost model when it comes to public procurement and that lowest cost would become the exception rather than the rule. This is particularly important in areas such as health and social services as they have a direct personal impact on citizens. I am hoping that as well as learning within the actual issue of CervicalCheck in terms of screening now, that there is also some extrapolation and a further review or consideration of other procurement within the health services in trying to ensure, across the many areas where contracts are being given, that a greater emphasis is placed on quality and, indeed, that the quality route within public procurement is taken, ideally, as the default mechanism. I ask the Minister to comment.