SEANAD REPORT:SOME OF the strongest clashes across the chamber resulted in the declared withdrawal of Independent members from co-operation in the business of the House.
The exchanges began when Seanad leader Donie Cassidy (FF) expressed regret at the unavailability of HSE channels for locally-elected representatives to make their views known.
Jerry Buttimer (FG) said Mr Cassidy’s party had created the HSE. “You can’t have it both ways. You are either for it or against it.”
Responding to the Cork Fine Gael Senator’s continued heckling, Mr Cassidy told the cathaoirleach: “I’ll name Senator Buttimer if you require me to do so.”
Mr Buttimer retorted angrily: “He won’t bully me. He won’t intimidate me.”
Mr Cassidy said all members should read the standing orders of the House. He never heckled anyone when they were speaking.
Mr Cassidy had earlier noted that no Independent members had contributed to the debate on an OECD report on the public service on Wednesday last. An annoyed Joe O’Toole (Ind) said he would like to thank the leader of the House for unprecedently pointing out the speakers on a particular debate. He demanded that Mr Cassidy apologise to the Opposition member whom he had threatened to “name”. Only the Cathaoirleach could name someone.
Mr Cassidy said he thought there had been a misunderstanding. He had said that if the Cathaoirleach asked him to name someone, he would do so.
Cathaoirleach Pat Moylan said the naming of a member was solely a matter for the chair.