Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It should not be assumed that because a Minister or Minister of State stands up and disagrees with issues raised by colleagues on the opposite side of the House, that he is not listening to them or that he doubts their genuineness. I do not doubt the genuineness of anybody in this House or their good faith. It should not be assumed that because I am not accepting what has been proposed, that I question the genuineness of Deputies. I want to make it clear to people in good faith that I have listened carefully to everything that has been on this issue.

I mentioned earlier that in addition to the responsibilities I have as Minister of State, I am aware of the issue being raised here in regard to anti-epileptic drugs. Even if I was not aware of it, I would have a responsibility to go and read up on it. Deputy Shortall should not assume that what I am doing here is "mouthing a line", as she described it.

I am not taking a view that I have been told I have to take. I know Deputy Róisín Shortall and I am quite sure she went through the documentation, the arguments and the issues carefully when she was Minister of State, just as I have done. Ministers are expected to read the documentation - they are paid to do so - rather than simply accepting a line. Of course, advice is available, but I am not here to mouth anybody's line. I take very seriously the job I have been asked to do. I know the Deputy did likewise when she was in the same job. I carefully analyse what I am asked to do in order that I understand it. I ask for the same recognition of what we are doing from my colleagues on the Opposition benches that I give to each and every one of them. I do not for one moment doubt the good faith of Deputies in highlighting this issue, nor do I doubt the genuineness of those involved in the Irish Epilepsy Association who raised it in the first instance.

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