Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I support very strongly what my colleague, Senator Fitzgerald, has just said. A strong request was made last week on this crucial issue. This is the type of issue that loses relevancy for the Seanad. Everyone is discussing it on radio talk shows, in the newspapers, in the pubs, etc. The Seanad should deal with it as well. I am disappointed that it is not in prospect at the moment and I ask the Leader to look at this.

I wish to raise the hygiene issue. I would like to see a debate on that. I have a very different view on this matter than that of the Opposition in general. I am too long in the House to get sucked into blaming Ministers for everything that goes wrong and do not want to call for the resignation of a Minister or chief executive because staff cannot keep their hospitals clean. We should be clear that there are different levels of accountability and responsibility. Over the weekend, in the belief that we would be discussing the health service this week, I re-examined the Health Act 2004. I would recommend to Members to read what we all supported when it was enacted. I object to one line in the Act pertaining to the appointment of a chief executive: "In carrying out duties under this section, the chief executive officer shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister . . ."