This is an entirely technical amendment to delete the phrase "Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform" and replace it with "Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform". The amendment is required by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, OPC.
Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Bill 2019: From the Seanad
The Dáil went into Committee to consider an amendment from the Seanad.
Seanad amendment No. 1:
Section 4: In page 14, line 3, to delete “Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform” and substitute “Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform”.
Seanad amendment agreed to.
Seanad amendment reported.
I thank my colleagues across the Dáil and the Seanad for the speedy passage of the Bill through Committee and Remaining Stages. We all know how important the Bill is and what it will do for patients. It will provide mandatory open disclosure of serious patient safety incidences. It provides for notification to the regulator. It extends HIQA's remit to private hospitals, which is very important. It contains provisions supporting clinical audit, something we need to have go from strength to strength. As regards the screening service provisions, it provides for mandatory open disclosure for completed individual patient-requested reviews of their screening and provides an obligation for the cancer screening services to inform patients of their right to a review. It is really important legislation. It will make a big difference for patients and clinical outcomes into the future.
I acknowledge the substantial work that has been done by the officials in my Department and our clinical teams and public health teams, with support right through the HSE. I again acknowledge the vital role that patient advocates have played in pushing for the Bill, supporting it and seeking to improve it through the legislative process. It is ground-breaking legislation, and I acknowledge that a great many people have been involved in this, from patient advocates through to the clinical community and my Department, with very constructive engagement and ideas during the debates in the Oireachtas as well.
Agreement to the Seanad amendments is reported to the House. A message will be sent to Seanad Éireann acquainting it accordingly.