Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I, like other colleagues, join in condemning the imprisoning - no other word can be used for it - over the weekend of the Tánaiste, the Deputy Leader of the Government, by so-called democrats carrying out what they called a protest. Unfortunately, it was not a protest. It was an orchestrated event that intimidated not only innocent bystanders, but put members of An Garda Síochána and the public in danger, not to mention the effect it had on the Tánaiste. I also condemn what happened to the Minister for Finance yesterday and the Taoiseach last night.

It is unfortunate, however, that Senator O’Neill has tried to politicise what happened in Sligo last night by mentioning a colleague of ours in this House, Senator Marc MacSharry. I have no idea if he was at that protest. If he was, he was entitled to be there as a public representative. As in all democracies, people are entitled to demonstrate in an orderly manner. I have no doubt if Senator MacSharry were present at last night’s demonstration that is exactly what he would have done. There is a long-standing precedent in this House that a colleague is not mentioned in the Chamber in his or her absence. I would like to see that continue. I would not like to see Members sinking to the same level as some people outside on so-called protests.

This morning, 800 nurses and midwives took part in a protest in Blackrock, County Dublin. It was effective, constructive and peaceful. That is the way a protest should be conducted. These are hardworking nurses and midwives protesting against the doubling of the mandatory registration fee with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. They have been subjected to cut after cut, like ordinary workers across the length and breadth of the State. Doubling their registration fee is a step too far. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health to intervene in this matter?