Paul Bradford (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join in the tributes to Deputy Róisín Shortall on her resignation. She addressed this House on many occasions and did so with passion, commitment and a knowledge of her brief that was second to none. While she no longer holds a ministerial portfolio I am sure she will have a great deal to say politically as well as interesting comments to make on public health policy. The questions she raised and her statement in the Dáil last Wednesday were fundamental in the context of a health debate. I do not agree with everything she said but the questions she posed about the cost of health provision, medicine, consultants and doctors are central to the debate on health reform and must be answered. It is a debate she had in this House on many occasions and she found huge support among Senators for her views. That debate must continue.

We should reflect on her views on the alcohol strategy, as Senator Coghlan mentioned.

Senator Noone raised the infamous Arthur's Day and I agree with her remarks. It is sad that we as a society, at a time when hundreds of thousands are unemployed, when there is social deprivation and when there are problems with law and order, would deem it worthy to participate in such a so-called celebration as Arthur's Day. I would be much happier if we were having a health day or an education day or an old person's day or drug abuse day and that we would talk about tackling problems rather than celebrating the cause of many of those problems.

I agree with Senator Coghlan and congratulate him on his outstanding contribution, which was insightful, thoughtful and provocative. I also concur with Senator Noone. This country must get real. I will not talk about the Punch and Judy politics we have had over the last half hour because we must get real and talk about the issues that people on the streets are talking about: jobs, the health service, crime and poverty. That is what we must debate and not turn this into a mini version of the Dáil Punch and Judy show.

I wish Deputy Shortall well; I am sorry she has resigned. Our political opponents are not our political enemies, they are people who might have a different view of life. She had a huge amount to offer to public service and political life and will continue to do so. Having engaged with her in this House, I thank her for her commitment and wish her every success in the future.