Fianna Fáil critics of HSE challenged on inconsistency

SEANAD:FIANNA FÁIL members were strongly challenged by opponents to act on criticism of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The critics on the Government side were told by Maurice Cummins (FG) that there was no point in them coming into the House and saying that the HSE should be shut down.

“You are in government. Go ahead and do it, if it needs to be changed. What are you doing talking about it, because that’s all we’re hearing about, and in the meantime our elderly are suffering in their homes and, indeed, in care homes.”

Party colleague Jerry Buttimer said he had always understood that Ministers were meant to be in charge of their departments. “Could I ask the members opposite to desist from coming in here and blaming the HSE.”

Describing the HSE as “a Frankenstein stalking our land”, Ivor Callely (FF) said it was not delivering necessary services.

Geraldine Feeney (FF) said the HSE at times obstructed what was right. It was cold and uncaring.

Declaring that the HSE was not working out, Camillus Glynn (FF) said politicians needed to be brave enough to stand up and say so. “I say now, come back the health boards. All is forgiven.”

Larry Butler (FF) said that after viewing two RTÉ programmes last Monday night, he felt the HSE was a discredited organisation. The Minister needed to take back charge of it.

Terry Leyden (FF) urged the Public Service Executive Union to withdraw what he described as a directive to boycott Independent News and Media and the Newstalk radio station. Its allegation of anti-public service bias on the part of these organisations was a serious matter which could put jobs in both of them at risk.

“I don’t like these types of boycotts. I think they are unfair, and I would call on the union to withdraw this boycott forthwith and have a proper debate between the media and unions and politicians.”

Joe O’Toole (Ind) called for action against gangs who were said to be terrorising street buskers from their pitches. He had been approached by musicians and entertainers who had told him they felt completely threatened by organised gangs of beggars.

“They are not talking about somebody sitting at the street corner looking for the price of a cup of coffee.

“They are talking about organised groups who will abuse children by sending them out barefoot and threadbare in order to sit and look sad and helpless, in order to take up prime spots to beg for money.”

Part of this strategy entailed the use of force by the pimps – “they are no more than that”

Mr O’Toole said he would like to hear the views of the Minister for Justice on what could be done about this state of affairs.

David Norris (Ind ) said there were very worrying reports about amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill that had apparently been accepted by the Cabinet.

As a result of them, the creation of a joint tenancy on behalf of civil partners would be exempt from court and property registration fees, but not from stamp duty.