David Norris (Independent)

Given the degree of interest in this matter it is a pity there is not a supplied script from the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Barry Andrews, which I would have welcomed. It would have been helpful to those of us who, because of pressure from other sources, were not able to be here to hear the Minister of State's speech. I am sure there was no disrespect intended, but I hope it will not happen again as we are entitled to a ministerial script in such a serious debate.

I fully support universal health care provided by the State. I know that the concomitant of that is increases in taxation and I would be happy to campaign for that, because it is the most basic human right.