Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

When this matter was raised a short time ago by my party leader, Deputy Gilmore, the Taoiseach responded positively. He stated that every Minister should seek, as a matter of courtesy, to be present in the House when a matter relevant to his or her Department is being taken. However, even though 15 Adjournment debates were on health, the Minister for Health and Children never turned up in the House at all. Fianna Fáil should get a grip on their Independent supporters in the Cabinet and tell them to do their job. They are not doing it now and are treating this House with contempt.

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