Unfortunately, many laws to reduce public harm gather dust after drafting, delayed for years before being finally tabled for debate by elected representatives.

With only 14 bills enacted in the first year of this Government, such a low legislative output impacts on public health protection.

Delays in enacting legislation have real-world consequences as a known hazard continues unchecked, damaging people’s lives and consuming precious health resources, so writes Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, in the Irish Independent.

She joins Ciara to discuss.