Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

My next point pertains to a matter about which I continually have a bee in my bonnet. While it is not specifically related to this Bill, the principle is the same. National partnership is no such thing when half the elected Members of this House have nothing to do with it. In other words, only 50% of Members, by way of the Government side, are represented. Every other so-called pillar of the community is represented but half the membership of this House is disenfranchised for a reason I have never understood. Finally, on a practical matter, I have never understood the reason I am unable to discuss health issues on the floor of this Chamber on behalf of the constituents I represent.

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