Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the question of the particular amendment, it is an issue that can be resolved through negotiations between the Health Service Executive, HSE, and the Department on one side and the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, on the other. My overarching point yesterday, which was not fully accepted by Senator Crown and others, was that negotiation on the contract is a matter for the parties to the contract rather than a matter of statute. I do not regard it as appropriate for the Oireachtas to step into negotiations on the contract but I agree with the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, and I am a very strong advocate for free speech. I believe in advocacy for professionals, administrators, those working in all kinds of services and people generally in society. I have always believed we should have the maximum amount of free speech possible, allowing for certain constitutional restrictions. Free speech should be the default position, rather than something to restrict, and I fully associate myself with the comments of the Minister, Deputy Reilly, as there is no intention to have a gagging clause in this contract. The Department and the HSE will continue discussions with the IMO and I believe this matter will be resolved in a satisfactory manner for Senators van Turnhout and Crown. I will not accept an amendment to the statute in circumstances where it is a matter for negotiation between the parties. I have given my own view on this.