Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a request that would benefit all of us so that we are seen to be accountable and to take part in a democratic process where we discuss and air these issues rationally and reasonably. It would help to enhance the Bill and shore up support for it. We also recognise the fact that sometimes we will not have that luxury and that is why in amendment No. 2 we have also stated that urgent recommendations can be made and subsequently approved following consultation and agreement with the Joint Committee on Health. The Minister of State can hear that these are reasonable points and that they are trying to enhance the democratic process. We all recognise that these are quite extreme measures and we want to ensure we have accountability before further actions are taken. I hope the amendment would gain the support of colleagues across the Chamber.