Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second Senator Leyden's amendment, although I am surprised at his optimism if he expects the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, to come to the House and know what is going on in Roscommon or any part of the HSE or health services. That has become evident to everybody, including those in his own party, at this stage. I concur with Senator Bacik's comments about the Tánaiste, as he handled his exit from the leadership in a very dignified way. I had many differences with him over policy but I acknowledge his courtesy and assistance in the many representations we made to his office over the past three years.

Will the Leader arrange the debate I previously sought regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings? I attended the commemorations at Talbot Street and I listened to the fine words of the Taoiseach and subsequently noted the comments of our President regarding justice for the victims. Those fine words will be of no consequence if they are not backed up by strong action, particularly with the British Government and authorities, in finding the truth.

There are lessons to be learned from the recent election and these must be taken on board by everybody in these Houses, and particularly the Government parties which control policy. The medical card issue is not the only matter, and it would be a major mistake to focus exclusively on it, although it is certainly a major problem. Other issues include the drugs payments scheme, which we noted on the campaign trail is putting pensioners in a position where they must cut back on the drugs they need because they cannot afford to meet their cost. That is a scandal. There are also people on waiting lists who are having difficulty accessing necessary services. Piling public hospital bed costs on private insurers on behalf of people who have for their entire lives paid social contributions is driving those people from the health insurance market because they cannot afford to pay the premia.

This is only a small part of a range of issues we must acknowledge, including the taxing of pensions, homelessness and the aces given by a former Minister, Deputy Shatter, to bankers. People who have borrowed money and are the drivers of this economy - if they can extricate themselves from difficulties - have been left to the tender mercies of the bankers which caused this collapse. It is no wonder that people feel disaffected, and I support the call made for a rolling debate in this House that should involve the Ministers in Departments responsible for much of this disaffection. Across the party lines Members should not be afraid to concentrate on and criticise policies which have gone against the interests of our citizens and our people. The Seanad is the place to do this. We should forget the tight control of Whips and look to represent the people, as that is what they want us to do. The public does not feel represented at this stage, which is the real message of the recent elections.