Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like the Cathaoirleach to address the following issue with the Oireachtas ICT section. There is a problem, apparently, with the online publication of debates for external users.

I would like to have it sorted out. It is a misunderstanding and there is no deliberate attempt to stop people from looking at the transcript, but as there is a lot of confusion, perhaps the Cathaoirleach might use his good offices in that respect.

I am sorry to have to say to the Cathaoirleach and the Leader, "I told you so." On the last day the House sat I stated that if the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Bill was not passed in one day, we would have cutbacks and hospital ward closures. I also said it was a chance for the Seanad to do what the Minister for Health had failed to do. I warned the House, but it happened and the Bill is back before us today. Unfortunately, it is too late, given the many cutbacks because of the Minister's inaction. Shame on the Seanad and those Senators who shouted me down from Fine Gael and the Labour Party benches at the time. Shame on the Leader and the Deputy Leader, Senators Maurice Cummins and Ivana Bacik, who rejected my proposal out of hand on the day. It is important that we do our job today by looking at the Fianna Fáil amendments. I am unsure whether any of the other parties has tabled amendments. It is important that we pass the Bill, try to make some savings and remove some of the embarrassment for the Government parties. I am going to help to do this in the interests of patients.

The Labour Party is going to have to make a choice with the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly. Senators Marie Maloney, Denis Landy and James Heffernan regularly drive by the Minister's mansion in County Offaly and are going to have to decide whether they are with the rich man in his castle or the poor man at his gate. There is a stark choice facing the Labour Party.