Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to withdraw this item of business from the Order Paper so that proper procedures can be carried out and a proper approach taken to the appointments to this important body. The Leader might reply to us on this issue. I will oppose the Order of Business based on Fine Gael's concerns about the way in which this is being handled.

The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2007 is being introduced today, leaving very little time for debate. This Bill has three sections. One of these amends the Medical Practitioners Act, which was only passed last year and, it would appear, was not handled properly. Again, this is an example of rushed legislation which now needs to be corrected. The Bill also provides for a transfer of powers from the Minister for Health and Children to the Health Service Executive. We have had many discussions in which Senators on all sides have expressed concern about the balance of accountability and responsibility between the Department of Health and Children and the HSE. Finally, the Bill provides for the placement of agencies on a statutory basis. We appreciate that this must be done but we suggest that it be dealt with in a separate Bill. We also request that the Government publish the advice of the Attorney General on why the Bill must be rushed through. Why now? Are other bodies affected by this? The legislation in this area was originally passed in the 1960s. We want to know the reason for this urgency. Is it a cover to obtain proper legal status for co-located hospitals? Is that what is really going on?

We have many concerns about rushing this three-pronged Bill through Second Stage in the Seanad today and through Committee Stage tomorrow. We do not think it is a proper way to do business. There is no reason this cannot be dealt with differently and more effectively. On these two grounds Fine Gael will oppose the Order of Business today.

There have been U-turns from the Government on learner drivers, the ministerial pay debacle, the child care subvention scheme and now on water charges for schools. We all heard the Minister speaking on this issue this morning. Is it possible to obtain some clarity on the Government's approach to this issue so that schools are not left over the Christmas period and into the new year not knowing the bills they will face? What will happen to the schools who have received bills and what will happen to those who have paid? What exactly does the Minister mean by a transition period? All these questions were raised this morning and the answers were unsatisfactory. Will the Leader ensure schools are given clarity on this issue as soon as possible?