Dispute over committee participation
Trevor Ó Clochartaigh challenges the Leader’s account of committee participation, prompting a partisan exchange over whether his colleagues supported the proposal and criticism of the health service; the Chair tells the Leader not to be baited.
On a point of order, all members of the committee decided that, including the Leader's party members.
Comment on this
The Senator is incorrect. He is embarrassed by it and I understand why. Senators Máire Devine and Paul Gavan, as a former shop steward, would be well able to articulate views at the committee. It is embarrassing for Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh that he could not support the proposal. I appreciate his support for it.
Comment on this
What is embarrassing is the state of the health service.
Comment on this
The Minister for Health has one of the biggest health budgets in the history of the State. It is a pity that Sinn Féin Members could not join the committee to make a contribution and support other Members in doing so.