WHO treaty and words matter
A procedural exchange followed on Senator Keogan’s remarks, with Senator Buttimer insisting the Minister was not “signing away sovereignty” and warning against false claims. The Cathaoirleach allowed both sides to state their views and asked Senator Keogan to continue.
I do not want to have a row on the Order of Business today but I would just make this point to Senator Keogan. The Minister for Health is not signing away sovereignty. He is not doing any of that, as the Cathaoirleach knows. This is important. Words matter.
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I am sorry but I want to make this point, with respect. I am a good man for the heckling and I am a good man for raising the political gallop, but our words in this Chamber, and in these Houses of the Oireachtas, matter. The Cathaoirleach, as the presiding officer, has a duty not just to us, as Members, but to the people watching with regard to the false information being given by certain Members. I am making this point deliberately about false information. The Minister for Health is not signing away our sovereignty. He is not.