Reilly's response to Ceann Comhairle 'oozes contempt'

A RENEWED call has been made for the resignation of Minister for Health James Reilly over claims that he showed “contempt” for Dáil rules.

Sinn Féin health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin made the call after the Minister sent him a press release from July in reply to questions about primary healthcare centres.

The Minister’s press release followed a ruling by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett that Dr Reilly had failed to answer the TD’s questions about primary healthcare centres. The Cavan-Monaghan TD claimed in the Dáil yesterday the Minister was now showing contempt not just for the Opposition but also for the standing orders of the House. Mr Ó Caoláin said the Minister’s attitude could “be best summed up by saying ‘how dare you question me’.”

The TD had made a complaint to the Ceann Comhairle about the Minister’s failure to answer questions he asked in a written parliamentary question.

The Ceann Comhairle agreed the Minister failed to answer a question about the “exact criteria” used to identity the 35 primary healthcare centres selected for priority development. He also failed to detail the process used to select the two locations in his north Dublin constituency as well as others the Minister was lobbied about by Government backbenchers.

The Ceann Comhairle wrote to the Minister but Mr Ó Caoláin said the subsequent response was a press release and a three-line letter which “oozes contempt”.

Raising the issue on Leaders’ Questions, he asked Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore if he had any concerns about the Minister’s attitude because concerns about Dr Reilly were also being raised by members of the Labour Party.

Mr Gilmore said the issue about Dr Reilly had been dealt with in a no confidence debate which the Government won.

He also welcomed the introduction of the procedure where TDs could complain to the Ceann Comhairle about inadequate parliamentary replies and the Ceann Comhairle could rule on it. Mr Gilmore hoped other TDs would use the procedure “because we believe in accountability and in providing answers to questions”.

Mr Ó Caoláin highlighted the controversial meeting this week of the Public Accounts Committee attended by senior HSE and Department of Health officials.

He said it was demonstrative of “what is wrong at the helm of the Department of Health and of the Minister’s disposition permeating to all at the highest level within that department”.