David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Feargal Quinn's important Bill. In recent days we heard about a young person who died of a heart attack while on the field of play. Anything which can be done to prevent such occurrences would be extremely welcome.

I wish to mention the case of a woman who many Senators will have seen outside the gates of the Houses. She is an Irish citizen who contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion when she was in a maternity hospital. She is not in receipt of disability allowance in this country and she receives no money in respect of the treatment which saves her life and which involves the use of interferon. She is obliged to travel to France, where she is in receipt of disability benefit and interferon treatment free of charge. It is a reproach to us, as citizens of Europe, that our own people can obtain better treatment from a foreign government. Will the Leader raise this matter with the Minister for Health, who, I presume, is the relevant individual?

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade is meeting as we speak. There must be Senators present at that meeting because otherwise the bells would ring to inform us that it is not quorate. Our commitment should be to this House rather than to the committees. The Leader has made this point clearly and there are individuals who are not taking that fact into account.

I commend Senator Moloney and her Labour Party colleagues on their motion concerning domestic violence. I take this opportunity to ask the Sinn Féin Senators not to press their amendment to the motion. I usually stand with Sinn Féin in respect of its amendments but on this occasion I certainly will not do so. I am of the view that the amendment is foolish, particularly as Sinn Féin is agreeing wholeheartedly with the Government. All the amendment does is add in extra points which would be more properly made during the debate. If one is seriously interested in the issue of violence, particularly that against women, one supports a motion of this nature in order that it can be passed unanimously and thereby carry greater force. Causing a division which is clearly not going to succeed and which will probably lead to a situation where the number of people that will stand in support of the amendment will be insufficient will prove divisive. To some, it might appear to be grand-standing. I suggest that Sinn Féin Senators raise the valuable suggestions contained in the amendment in the debate on the motion rather than calling for a division in respect of it.