Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the committee that was set up to carry out a review and prepare a document in regard to the ten-year health strategy. My understanding is it is proposed that there would be no Senators on this committee. I do not think we in this House should accept that decision and I would like clarification on the matter. There are Senators here who have medical experience, some having been nurses or having worked in the health service, and many are former local representatives who have a huge knowledge of the health service in their own area and have a contribution to make in regard to a ten-year strategy. I was on the health committee for five years with two other Seanad colleagues, the former Senators John Crown and Jillian van Turnhout, and the three of us were probably the best attenders of the committee that was then chaired by the current Leader, Senator Buttimer.

I do not understand why Senators are now being excluded from this strategy group and it is important the matter is clarified. I understand the committee has already elected a chairperson and that we had no say in that. I ask that we would get clarification on this matter at the earliest possible date. I am not sure who is making the decisions on this matter. However, this House should be part of that decision making process. We have been excluded to date, which is wrong because we have a contribution to make. I want to be part of making that contribution and I am sure there are others in this House who want to be part of that strategy committee. I ask that this matter would be clarified at the earliest possible date.