Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Deputy Kenny referred to motions that were put before the Joint Committee on Health and Children by both Labour and Fine Gael, but that is only part of the story. A motion had been put before the committee by the chairman of the committee, Deputy John Moloney, which had the indication of support of all opinions in the committee. I commend Deputy Moloney's preparation of that motion because it demonstrated he has good instincts on this issue. On the following day, however, his motion was withdrawn and that brought about a forced division in the committee. There could have been unanimous support for the chairman's proposition because it met, as I recall, the views of all opinions, including those of this Deputy who attends those committee meetings.

Why was Deputy Moloney's motion not allowed to stand? What interference took place? Why was it withdrawn and why was a much diluted amendment presented from the Government bloc in relation to the committee's deliberations? That is a serious matter. I very much regret that was the case because the committee had been working very much as a single, unified body in addressing this issue. The divisions were both unnecessary and unfortunate.

It is imperative that we have a motion that gives clear direction in today's debate. Statements simply will not suffice. There should be a motion before this House. It is within the gift of Government to present a motion along the lines as that drafted by Deputy Moloney and to put it before this House that clearly outlines the necessary actions to avert the crisis that will undoubtedly loom, particularly for those dependent on medical cards and the drugs payment scheme to access their medication.

This is a very serious matter. Many people, in particular older people, are very concerned as to what will happen in the outworking of all that is threatened as of 1 March. This very serious issue requires the intervention of the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney. So far she has refused to address this issue in any substantive way. Today's statements and a question and answer session will not suffice because there is no opportunity to direct the Minister to specific actions. That is what is required today to avert a very serious situation.

I oppose the proposal for No. 17 and appeal again to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children to accept the collective view of the Opposition that we need to go forward with one voice from this House on this issue. A motion must be put down that clearly demonstrates not only Opposition voices but those of Government Members — it has been demonstrated to me at the Joint Committee on Health and Children that Government voices on that committee also concur with that view. From where is the interference coming and the silencing gag being applied and why is that happening?

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