Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The differences of opinion that the Tánaiste and I may have on this issue aside, I agree that we need all of the information available. The electorate has a right and entitlement to all the facts. We all also have a responsibility to respect the right of others to offer an alternative view and it should be conducted in a mature and respectful debate process over the six weeks remaining up to 12 June.

For my part, I participated in two such debates in different parts of the country over the past weekend and I noted a concord with members not of my own party but of parties here represented on the "Yes" side, who do not concur with the views already expressed by other Members here this afternoon. There is a wide body of people who are deeply concerned at what is involved. I agree with them and we will continue to argue that case.

I wanted to raise something more immediate than the 12 June referendum date. I have a difficulty with the Order Paper this week as there is no provision for an opportunity for the Tánaiste or the Minister for Health and Children to address the impending meltdown of the entire State supply of medicines through the medical card scheme and other State supported systems of access for many citizens.

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