Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator again. All indications are that these services are both operating and available, and they are delivered in hospitals and community settings. The Minister is determined that the review will be undertaken in a fair and transparent manner.

As I outlined in my opening remarks, a three-part approach will be taken to reviewing the operation of the Act with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation. Independent research is being undertaken to inform the services users and the service provider strands. It is the Minister's hope and, indeed, my own that all those interested will take the time to voice their views as part of the public consultation.

The second phase of the review will be led by the independent chairperson. We have now conducted the procurement process for the position of the chairperson. The Minister is confident that the person appointed, Ms Marie O'Shea, bachelor of law, has the experience necessary to carry this very significant work thoroughly, efficiently and in a balanced and fair manner.

As I have previously clarified, the press release issued on 8 December was reissued to explain that the tender, which had issued on that date, was for the research component of the review. The Minister is confident that the information gathered during the review of the operation of the 2018 Act will provide us with the evidence as to how to proceed in the future. It is essential that we continue to ensure that the services mandated by the people in May 2018 operate effectively.