David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was very heartened when the Minister indicated that in previous debates on serious financial issues in which her Department had an interest, she did take the advice of the Seanad and it strengthened her hand and was able to renegotiate. In what Senator Marie Moloney said in her carefully crafted speech, she seemed to be suggesting a way in which some degree of resolution could come to the carers. I do not believe it will be sufficient. I recognise the Minister has made a commitment to restore core community services, to give funding for 10,000 additional places and ¤35 million for new mental health services. It is important to be balanced, especially when we are Independent Members.

I now want to deal with the notion of Independents. The single most important thing that was said today was the statement from the Independent core of the Taoiseach's nominees. That independence of mind, that careful consideration indicates very clearly to everyone that the game is now on, the ball is in play. This House can for once do what it was constitutionally established to do. It can do this without any sense of unpleasant party factionalism or confrontation with the Government because we cannot defeat it. All we can do, is as we are charged on behalf of the people to do, when a difficult, dangerous and painful situation confronts our nation, is to respectfully ask our Government to go back and reconsider the situation over a period of 90 days. That is what I will be voting for. I will not be voting to defeat the Government. I will be voting against sections of this Bill so that the voice of the people can be heard.