Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Once it is passed, the temptation will be to keep it in place and to build on what has been achieved for the public coffers.

It merits repeating that it is often the case with regard to the most unpalatable proposals for the health sector that the Government is very happy to have the Minister carry the can individually. She is the line Minister and carries that responsibility at Cabinet but nobody here is in any doubt that this measure has the approval of the two parties in Government. Each has refused to participate in this debate. Not a single seat on the Government benches has been occupied throughout Second and Committee Stages to this point, except for during the vote at the end of Second Stage. It is absolutely disgraceful. People should note that nobody from either Fianna Fáil or the Green Party is present either to observe or to contribute to the debate on what is very important and most objectionable legislation. They have cleared off out of sight but, I hope, not out of mind for the many people who will be adversely affected when this legislation is forced through by their numerical strength in this Chamber. I will press the amendment.

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