Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the commitment in the programme for Government to transparency and accountability, does the Taoiseach, as Head of Government, think it acceptable that the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, attended the launch of Amnesty International Ireland's repeal the eighth campaign? As the Taoiseach is aware, the Minister for Health, who he appointed, has a responsibility to all the people of Ireland under the Constitution. The Minister for Health might not be aware of that. Judging by the state of the health services, one would think he is not aware of it. It is totally inappropriate that he attended that launch because his duty is to defend the Constitution that is in place until it is changed by the people or otherwise. He attended the event and walked down the street with Mr. Colm O'Gorman of Amnesty, which has received €150,000 from George Soros. The Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, and An Garda Síochána are currently investigating that donation. If a Member of this House does wrong, he or she must be held accountable, and rightly so. For the Minister, in such a cavalier way, to attend the launch and walk around canvassing on Grafton Street with Mr. O'Gorman and his colleagues is downright to flout his Cabinet duties. Will the Taoiseach rein him in or are we going to have a free-for-all? Deputy Howlin mentioned musical chairs in the Independent Alliance. It is the Taoiseach's responsibility as Head of Government under the Constitution to ensure that Ministers act properly and obey the Constitution.

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