I move amendment No. 1:—
In sub-section (1), line 46, after the word "was" to insert the word "unreasonably".
I do not propose to take up the time of the Seanad more than a moment or two in connection with this amendment. The Seanad gave me a certain amount of latitude last night in discussing what is proposed in this amendment, and it would be unfair of me to take up the time of the House in discussing it further now. I gave reasons last night to show how unreasonable complaints might be made which would cause a certain amount of trouble, and I think that anything that would tend to reduce the number of such complaints ought to be in this Bill. Further down in the sub-section, the words "unreasonably delayed" are used in connection with the treatment of any person admitted to a hospital, and I think that there should be a similar provision in regard to any person who is supposed to have been refused admission to a hospital. In this amendment, I am proposing that the word "unreasonably" should be inserted after the word "was" and before the word "refused". In other words, my amendment proposes that, where the Hospitals Commission, after consultation with the appropriate advisory committee, complains to the Minister that any person was unreasonably refused admission as an intern patient to any hospital... the Minister may... cause an inquiry to be held. Apart from that proposed insertion of mine, the sub-section would remain as it is.