Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader and Senator Bacik for alerting us to the social entrepreneurs who will speak later. It is a commendable exercise.

Yesterday the House was alerted to the imminent dangers of the practice of medicine by doctors without insurance, with all sides of the House agreeing on the urgency of the matter contained in Senator Burke's Bill. The only element not in agreement was, of course, the Department of Health. Committee Stage is scheduled for next Tuesday and it should go ahead. We cannot be alerted by Senator Burke to a major problem and allow uninsured doctors to practise for a minute longer than necessary. We do not want the Bill to go the same way as when Senator Crown alerted the Department of Health to the dangers of smoking in cars when children are present; that Bill disappeared into the Department of Health nearly a year ago. The Department of Health and other branches of the permanent Government should take note of what happens in Parliament. Now that we have been alerted by Senator Burke to the problem of uninsured practice of medicine, it cannot be allowed to continue for a minute longer than is necessary.

There are manifestations of the same kind of problem with other Ministers and Ministers of State. Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, has refused to allow any role in Science Foundation Ireland for the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. Civil servants do not have a monopoly on wisdom in this country. A completely inadequate regulatory impact assessment was circulated approximately six weeks late for the taxi regulation Bill, which is not good enough either.

We have been alerted to the practice of medicine by people without insurance and that should be dealt with urgently. I urge the Leader to ensure the Bill can proceed, and the Department can put in amendments as we all do. It is an urgent issue that should proceed. I am delighted that Senator Burke is not deterred and has published another Bill today dealing with civil law and missing persons. I commend him on his energy and commitment, and the Senator performs a notable role here.

We want regulatory impact assessments, as they are not a discretionary part of governance in this House. They must be circulated with a Bill and comprehensively cover their contents. We are paid to play a role and are very well led by the Cathaoirleach and Leader. Nevertheless, we have been shoddily treated with the medical insurance, Science Foundation Ireland and the taxi regulation issues. We want improvement and I am sure the Leader will ensure this happens.