Norris, David P.B.Friday, 12 December 2008 |
Seanad Eireann Debate
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Health Bill 2008: Second Stage
I wish to raise a point of order.
Members have abolished the Order of Business and the Government has abolished the Combat Poverty Agency and the Equality Authority. One does not know what will happen next.
That was the preface to the point of order I wish to raise.
As no Order of Business has been scheduled today, is it appropriate to commence proceedings without a quorum? What number constitutes a quorum?
Is a quorum present in this House? Every committee and sub-committee requires a quorum——
I asked what number constitutes a quorum.
That is helpful and I thank the Cathaoirleach.
I am always trying to learn. It is a pity the Government is not.
The Government is a disgrace and Senator de Búrca’s party should get out of it.
I will not welcome the Minister of State to the House. There is nothing personal in that and, for all I know of the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, she is an estimable woman.
Yes, absolutely, but I do not welcome any Member of this disgraceful Government to this House. The Government has behaved barbarously in this and in many other areas. When I listen to people on that...
Well, I believe it would be unconstitutional, and the Minister of State is not a lawyer and so my opinion is as good as hers.
In that case, why does the Government not do the decent thing and get rid of it altogether? 
I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, although I do not mind. They can disgrace themselves as much as they like and I shall give back just as good as I get. It is also cack-handed. The Government was wa...
I should declare an interest. I am lucky in having plan E, the most expensive plan available. I can be sick at my leisure any time I want. However, it is disgraceful that the most vulnerable, about...
A programme of nationalising the existing private hospitals would accelerate the positive elements and provide the capacity necessary to implement a national scheme. It could be done. Universal heal...
Yes. Notice taken that 12 Members were not present; House counted and 12 Members being present,
The Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, will withdraw that. How dare she attack the public. 
That is outrageous. There is no logic to it, and the sooner the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, is put out the better. 
Request to Move Adjournment of the Seanad under Standing Order 30.
I ask that the House be adjourned to discuss a matter of urgent national interest, namely, the destruction of the Combat Poverty Agency and the Equality Authority. I understand it is not possible for...
Could the Cathaoirleach give me some information as to what matters are considered by the Seanad to be of national urgency?
I recall a day when one of the Chair’s predecessors ruled that something was not a national emergency when, within hours of the debate, the Taoiseach was ruling it was, in the Dáil. Are we on a diffe...
No. There will be no co-operation on this.
Health Bill 2008: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Question put: “That the Bill do now pass.”
Voted No 
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