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Seanad Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2014

Vol. 232 No. 2

Suspension of Standing Orders: Motion

Before I call Senator Michael D'Arcy, I understand that Senator Crown is seeking the suspension of Standing Orders for today's sitting.

I move: "That Standing Orders for today's sitting be suspended."

I apologise to the Minister again for the interruption. I welcome the Leader of the House, Senator Maurice Cummins, back to the Chamber. I would like to propose the suspension of Standing Orders under Standing Order 159 in order that we can deal with an urgent matter that has arisen, namely, the issuing of a directive that will bring about the immediate suspension of all obesity surgery at the national centre. This directive has been issued without any explanation being given.

That satisfies Standing Order 159. Is the Leader opposing the motion?

I am opposing the motion.

I would like to ask for a vote on that.

The Senator can make a statement first.

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader. Everyone recognises that obesity is clearly the second leading cause, after smoking, of preventable premature death and ill health in this country. It is also a colossal drain on the Exchequer. This subject should be of interest to the Minister, Deputy Coveney. It has been shown that in extreme cases where conservative measures do not work, this life-saving surgery adds years to the lives of people who have dangerous levels of morbid obesity. The saved health costs associated with looking after people whose diabetes has been prevented or ameliorated - I refer to the avoidance of heart attacks, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease and gangrenous legs, etc. - mean that this form of surgery repays all of the costs associated with it within three years.

In the history of bad and stupid decisions, this must be the worst and most stupid decision I have ever heard of. The national centre that does most of this surgery in the country was finally opened in October as part of the Minister's much-trumpeted reorganisation of hospital services into groups. Within a few months of the opening of the centre at St. Vincent's Hospital, having moved from St. Colmcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown, a memorandum has been sent by e-mail this week from the administration of the hospital to the surgeon in charge, giving no excuse for the decision to suspend the service immediately other than to say that sufficient money is not available to retain it. Those costs will now be found mounting in kidney dialysis, heart attack and other units. This outrageous decision needs to be dealt with urgently.

Is there a seconder for the motion?

I am happy to second the motion.

Does the Leader have anything to add?

No. Given that the matter was covered in this morning's newspapers, it could have been raised on the Order of Business. The Senator can attempt to raise it as an Adjournment motion tomorrow if he wishes. Therefore, I am not proposing to suspend Standing Orders.

Question put.
The Seanad divided by electronic means.

In view of the extreme gravity and life-threatening nature of this matter, under Standing Order 62(3)(b), I request that the division be taken again other than by electronic means. Members need to look into their consciences and ignore the Whips on this.

Senators van Turnhout and Mac Conghail control the balance in this division as well.

We are responsible for our own votes.

Question put:
The Seanad divided: Tá, 21; Níl, 23.

  • Barrett, Sean D.
  • Bradford, Paul.
  • Byrne, Thomas.
  • Crown, John.
  • Cullinane, David.
  • Daly, Mark.
  • Healy Eames, Fidelma.
  • Heffernan, James.
  • MacSharry, Marc.
  • Mooney, Paschal.
  • O'Brien, Mary Ann.
  • O'Donovan, Denis.
  • O'Sullivan, Ned.
  • Ó Clochartaigh, Trevor.
  • Ó Domhnaill, Brian.
  • Ó Murchú, Labhrás.
  • Power, Averil.
  • Quinn, Feargal.
  • Walsh, Jim.
  • White, Mary M.
  • Wilson, Diarmuid.

Níl

  • Bacik, Ivana.
  • Brennan, Terry.
  • Burke, Colm.
  • Coghlan, Eamonn.
  • Coghlan, Paul.
  • Comiskey, Michael.
  • Cummins, Maurice.
  • D'Arcy, Jim.
  • D'Arcy, Michael.
  • Gilroy, John.
  • Henry, Imelda.
  • Keane, Cáit.
  • Kelly, John.
  • Mac Conghail, Fiach.
  • Moloney, Marie.
  • Moran, Mary.
  • Mullins, Michael.
  • Noone, Catherine.
  • O'Keeffe, Susan.
  • O'Neill, Pat.
  • Sheahan, Tom.
  • van Turnhout, Jillian.
  • Whelan, John.
Tellers: Tá, Senators John Crown and Feargal Quinn; Níl, Senators Ivana Bacik and Paul Coghlan.
Question declared lost.
Barr
Roinn