Parent voice on primary care steering group
Senator Humphreys proposed an amendment to have the Health Minister address the exclusion of parent representation from the primary care steering group. After the Leader declined to promise a debate, Humphreys pressed the amendment and divided the House, with Devine and Norris supporting the wider concern.
I acknowledge the work of Senator Máire Devine on raising the issue of children with complex medical needs. I can understand well the Cathaoirleach's decision on the timing of this. However, this is a very important issue which has time constraints on it and it needs to be discussed urgently in this House. I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that the Minister for Health should attend the House today to explain why parents' voices have been excluded from the national steering group in this respect. It beggars belief that a parent's voice would be denied on such a steering group. This needs to be urgently addressed. I do not do this lightly or in an attempt to rob the Senator Devine of her hard work. I offer it as a way of moving forward, having a discussion, and allowing the Minister to come in and explain. I urge the Leader to amend the Order of Business accordingly. I hope the Minister will, if at all possible, amend the steering group to allow a parent's voice be part of it.
Comment on this
No, Senator Nash has already spoken. I will let somebody who has not spoken already second it. Senator Mac Lochlainn has yet to speak. I did not make the ruling lightly. It is a matter for the Leader to accept the Senator's amendment. He is in order in that regard.
Comment on this
I formally second Senator Humphreys's proposed amendment to the Order of Business.
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