Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise a health matter on the Adjournment but if the Minister for Health is not in the Chamber to respond, I will leave and will not take part in the debate. The Minister for Health avoids the Seanad and it has gone on too long. He opens hospitals for political purposes to give a leg-up to a bad candidate, as Senator Darragh O'Brien said. It is not acceptable. I will be here but if the Minister for Health is not in the Chamber, I will walk out. If he can do that for politics, he can do it in this Chamber.

I second Senator O'Brien's amendment. This is a disgraceful opening by a bad candidate in Dublin West. The party is trying everything to get a few points. In the presidential election, Fine Gael is now fighting to save its deposit. It will be a funny sight. If the party acts as it has done in Dublin West, it will get the same answer.