Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note the McLoughlin report on health insurance recommends exactly what we have been saying on all sides of this House for the past two years, namely, the health insurers should query costs, which have not been the emphasis. While I know this comes up later today, it is interesting that Mr. McLoughlin, as reported in The Irish Times yesterday, says exactly what we have been saying here. As the Minister, Deputy Noonan, pointed out, it is a product that has gone up in price by 86% in four years so it is obvious they have not been watching the costs and they must remedy that.

I note the meetings on the future of this House with the Taoiseach take place this evening and tomorrow. We are in grave danger of ending up with a completely lopsided House, based on the newspaper reports, with six Senators elected by 700,000 people, 43 elected by a declining number of councillors and 11 elected by one person, the Taoiseach. The problem is that the Taoiseach, as the man who so recently tried to abolish this House, needs to consult widely, and I would suggest people like the distinguished former Senator and esteemed senior civil servant, Dr. Ken Whitaker. We are performing a valued role in the governance of this country and I hope that will be taken into account in the talks this evening and tomorrow.