John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

Of course, they were all there on that day because they were involved in the Council of Europe or wished to be. They are striking today by their absence. I will not have a go at Senator Leyden, who as usual has contributed. In fairness, he had to remain for the duration of the Bill. However, the absence of his colleagues speaks volumes regarding this legislation — probably more than I could ever say. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Seán Power, to the House. I understand he was placed in a very unenviable position yesterday, making remarks in the other Chamber to the effect that the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, had not attended the famous meeting with the CEOs, although it turns out that the Minister himself admitted on national television last night that he had been present at that meeting, albeit belatedly.