David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Fitzgerald in her call for a debate on the health service and for the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House. She took on a difficult position but serious questions have been raised. We should also debate the matter of balance on "The Late Late Show". If we allow this situation to continue we will allow censorship by default. If the Government refuses to produce spokespersons the debate can be seriously vitiated in the alleged interest of balance. Two empty chairs should have been labelled "Minister for Health and Children" and "Chief Executive of the HSE" and people should have been let make up their own minds.

I was extremely concerned at the comments of the Taoiseach in the Dáil when he referred to Mr. John Crown and the dossier he had. Are there dossiers on all of us in public life? I do not like the idea of being watched by "Big Bertie". It is not appropriate. If we seek talent we should bring people like John Crown on board to help us and not subject him to this.