Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Last week and the week before I suggested a debate on legislation that established the HSE, the Health Act 2004. This would allow an informed debate on the different roles of people. It is crucifying to hear views in the public debate and the Dáil debate as if people never read or debated the legislation previously.

Perhaps it is the trade unionist in me but I tend to react strongly when I hear calls for people to be sacked. I examine matters such as due process and I regret that we cannot have another debate on it. I would not support a motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. It does not achieve anything and brings us back to what has happened in the House for 20 years. This does not deal with accountability, responsibility and the difference between the two. I pleaded in the House for the past two weeks, anticipating the current position. People do not know who should be held responsible. It is like saying there is a teacher in the west abusing children so we should sack the Minister for Education and Science. That is the level of logic prevailing.