Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage.

Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2007: Second Stage.


Mr. Norris: We are only keeping the President up.
Mr. Ryan: -----other than the fact somebody said it had to be done in 40 minutes. It could be done in 80 minutes. We are here late and it does not really matter at this stage if we are here longer. The experience of myself and other Members of this House in recent years is that legislation from the Department of Health and Children requires detailed scrutiny. To rush it through without a Committee Stage is bad in principle and, given the record of that Department, is potentially disastrous.
An Cathaoirleach: This is not the Order of Business.
Ms O’Rourke: While the points put forward appear extremely reasonable, I am advised the Bill must conclude prior to 12 midnight.
Mr. Ryan: On a point of order, the only argument might be that the Bill must be enacted before 12 midnight. Even if it is passed at 11.55 p.m. unless the President is sitting downstairs it will not be signed into law before midnight.
Mr. B. Hayes: That is also my view on the matter. The Interpretation Act does not apply in this case, because if the President signs the Bill as passed by the Dáil and Seanad before the stated time tomorrow morning the effect will be neutralised. That is the objective of the Bill. I do not see the difficulty in extending the time provided for debate to ensure people can do their jobs.
Ms O’Rourke: I am advised the Bill must be concluded prior to 12 midnight.
Mr. Norris: The House is entitled to an explanation. The Leader evidently believes there is some justification for her position. She has been advised the Bill must be passed by midnight. It would be helpful if we were to know why this is so. I said jocosely when it was first announced it had to be passed by that time was because the President wants to go to bed.
Mr. Dardis: That is reasonable.
Mr. Norris: It is a reasonable human need but if this is an emergency the watchdog of Ireland cannot sleep. If there is a real reason perhaps the Leader could share it with us, or has she just been told it must be passed by midnight? If that is all she has been told, that is showing considerable disrespect to Seanad Éireann and to those of us who stayed on late in order to take part in the debate.
Mr. Ryan: Is it in order for me to point out something? The Bill will not be passed until after midnight if there is a vote at 11.55 p.m., therefore, the midnight argument is a smokescreen.
Ms O’Rourke: I have nothing further to add.
Question put.
The Seanad divided: Tá, 25; Níl, 13.
Question proposed: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.”
Mr. Norris: There is a note of farce about this because we have not been told the reason for it. I am happy to accept the Bill if it closes off a loophole and is urgently and legally necessary but we have not been given any reason, we have simply been informed that the Attorney General says it is necessary. We are entitled as a House to be treated with respect and to be fully informed.
Mr. B. Hayes: Exactly.
Mr. Norris: Most reasonable people would agree that the phoenix syndrome should be prevented, where companies could be formed in Dublin and, when they must meet their tax liability, collapse and a new paper company formed. We had this situation in the entertainment industry and apparently it now exists in the health service. I believe the Department was aware of this possibility and it should have acted earlier. If it stops companies profiteering, as BUPA did to the greatest possible extent------
Mr. Glynn: Correct.
Mr. Norris: -----I support it. We need a service for the sick and elderly, those who need it, and if this provides it, I am all for it but we entitled to be told why there is such unseemly haste.