Shane Ross (Independent)

We are almost having a debate now on the pharmacists' issue. I cannot understand why time is not allocated for a discussion of the issue. I agree with the comments of Senator Fitzgerald and others on the dictatorship of the HSE in this matter. It is extraordinary that the Seanad is talking itself into a situation where it never debates anything relevant. The important thing seems to be that we debate subjects that are utterly irrelevant and do not address matters that are topical and relevant. The only time we can do it is in the 50 minutes we have been allocated.

Why can we not have a debate on autism, a subject that concerns all sides of the House, rather than the Constitution? Why must we pretend that we have an enormous amount to debate on Wednesdays and Thursdays when there is no legislation? Why can we not debate something relevant? Why can we not debate in the House today the issue concerning pharmacists? There are important things to be said about the approaching crisis. Why can we not consider the legislation on auctioneers which was promised at least a year ago?