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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Shane O'Farrell debate amendment

Summary

Senator Norris proposed an amendment to take a motion on Shane O'Farrell after No. 2, and the House discussed whether the Government would oppose it.

David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I propose an amendment, that item No. 11 of non-Government motions, regarding Shane O'Farrell, be taken at the end of the-----

Comment on this
Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

After item No. 2.

Comment on this
David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

Yes, after item No. 2, and that we have a one hour debate at that point.

I would like to refer to the demands that the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance should withdraw. It is absolute and utter nonsense. In my 30 years of experience, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, are two of the best Ministers this country has ever had. They are quite outstanding. Members of the Opposition have instanced the case of Deputies Fitzgerald and Naughten. They were rather foolish to bring them up, because both Deputies Fitzgerald and Naughten were subsequently vindicated. They were got rid of unnecessarily, and it is an absolute waste of talent that excellent Ministers should be the victims of these demands for heads on a plate. It is nonsense. We should start thinking in terms of the good of this country and not just party politics. I certainly will be supporting the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health, both of whom have done extremely good jobs in very difficult and trying circumstances.

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