Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would like to see the Taoiseach attend the Seanad at the beginning and end of each term so that we would see him back here before Christmas. The level of the debate so far today has been very good and informative and I very much welcome that.

I do not think politicians, like the media, have short memories. The reason I ran the campaign to have the Taoiseach attend today was that the terms "new politics" and "reform" were dripping from everyone's tongue. Nobody knew or understood exactly what was meant, however. I was hoping the Taoiseach would put some meat on those bones here today but, unfortunately, I have seen very little of that. What I see constantly are the major decisions of the day being kicked to either committees, reviews or mediation.One of the ones which drove me absolutely demented was when there was an undermining of collective Cabinet responsibility. I very much support the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment, but Deputy Mick Wallace's Bill was clearly unconstitutional. How it was wrangled around to allow people to vote against it was that the Attorney General's advice was not sought by Cabinet, but I do not find that right. One of the Minister's that did not seek the Attorney General's advice was very glad of her advice when he was rushing back from Rio and found himself in severe trouble out there.

We had an interesting discussion this morning when Senators McDowell and Norris referred to delays in the appointment of judges, and asked where the real responsibility lies. We read in various newspapers that a particular Minister will veto the appointment of judges, which raises questions about collective Cabinet responsibility. Whether or not it is true, it was said he went to the papers and announced he was going to veto it. I find that very difficult to accept.

I wish to raise two issues that are close to my heart. I raised one of those issues yesterday, namely, the co-location of Holles Street hospital at St. Vincent's Hospital. One of those issues was kicked to a mediator in the hope of finding a result. When the Minister attended this House he said: "I have no plan B." If St. Vincent's, Elm Park, does not agree to it, it is scuttered and, therefore, 10,000 babies are born in Holles Street hospital in overcrowded conditions and in ten delivery wards when there should be over 20.

An article in The Irish Timesthis morning reports that the State is still owed over €240 million by religious institutions. I suggest that if we cannot get agreement on the co-location of Holles Street hospital at St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, as part of the compensation to taxpayers and the State, the religious order involved should hand that hospital back to the HSE to manage it. Let us build a good quality hospital that the women and children of this State deserve. That would be a fitting legacy.

I constantly hear that the Rural Alliance and different Independents hold the strings of power over this Government. It is driving a wedge between rural and urban Ireland. However, parts of Dublin, Cork and Limerick have suffered equally from this recession. Such areas have also lost Garda stations and post offices. There are huge areas of disadvantage across Dublin that urgently require investment. All disadvantaged areas, whether rural or urban, deserve to share in the recovery.

The sum of €20 million for reinvigorating rural towns is badly needed, but urban areas have suffered equally. They include Dublin's inner city which was kicked to a task force. We need decisions and leadership. Even though it is a minority Government, we cannot let small groups derail the recovery. I am not only talking about economic recovery, but also about the social recovery of communities, schools, hospitals and infrastructure. I ask the Taoiseach not to be misdirected by small vocal groups that are only looking after their parishes. The interests of this country need to be looked after.