Minister attending repeal campaign
Deputy Mattie McGrath questions whether it was appropriate for the Minister for Health to attend the launch of a repeal-the-eighth campaign and then raises alleged illegal funding to Amnesty International. The Taoiseach defends ministers campaigning for constitutional change and says the funding issue is before the courts.
In the context of the commitment in the programme for Government to transparency and accountability, does the Taoiseach, as Head of Government, think it acceptable that the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, attended the launch of Amnesty International Ireland's repeal the eighth campaign? As the Taoiseach is aware, the Minister for Health, who he appointed, has a responsibility to all the people of Ireland under the Constitution. The Minister for Health might not be aware of that. Judging by the state of the health services, one would think he is not aware of it. It is totally inappropriate that he attended that launch because his duty is to defend the Constitution that is in place until it is changed by the people or otherwise. He attended the event and walked down the street with Mr. Colm O'Gorman of Amnesty, which has received €150,000 from George Soros. The Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating that donation. If a Member of this House does wrong, he or she must be held accountable, and rightly so. For the Minister, in such a cavalier way, to attend the launch and walk around canvassing on Grafton Street with Mr. O'Gorman and his colleagues is downright to flout his Cabinet duties. Will the Taoiseach rein him in or are we going to have a free-for-all? Deputy Howlin mentioned musical chairs in the Independent Alliance. It is the Taoiseach's responsibility as Head of Government under the Constitution to ensure that Ministers act properly and obey the Constitution.
Comment on this
It is absolutely appropriate for the Minister for Health to be involved in such a campaign. The Government and the Oireachtas are proposing to change the Constitution. I do not know how many referendums we have had on constitutional amendments but it has always been the normal course of events for Ministers to campaign in favour of the change they propose. It is the logical thing to do.
Comment on this
What about the illegal funding that Amnesty received and will not pay back?
Comment on this
The Taoiseach has not answered the question.
Comment on this
He only answered half the question.
Comment on this
What is the point in having a Taoiseach if we cannot get answers?