A thoroughly Irish coup
Not for the first time, an attempt is being made to overthrow and discard our constitutional system of republican government. A cabal of insurrectionists, sympathetic to the agents of a foreign state are, as you read this, plotting and executing a coup d’etat. This is not your standard tanks-on-the-Leinster House lawn-type of coup, but a … Read more
Link to my Seanad Reform Bill
http://profjohncrown.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/seanad-electoral-reform-bill-2013.pdf Explanatory memorandum for Seanad Reform Bill
Oath of Allegiance to the Constitution
I have an unusual request for the Leader. I would like him to ask the Taoiseach if the Government would consider the wisdom of introducing an oath of allegiance to the Constitution for all Members of the Oireachtas. We must be one of the few parliaments in the world that does not have such an … Read more
EU Regulations regarding clinical trials
Speaking during the Address to Seanad Éireann by Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn I am involved in clinical research and I am troubled by the track record and future plans of the European Commission in this field. In 2001, the European clinical trials directive was put in place that was widely seen by those in the field … Read more
EU-proposed changes to clinical trials approval and data protection which could adversely effect cancer research; drug pricing strategy of pharmaceuticals; campaign to end tobacco trade
Speaking during the Address to Seanad Éireann by Nessa Childers, MEP I welcome Ms Childers, who has been a wonderful ambassador for our country in the European Parliament. I speak as a committed European and, in many ways, as an anti-nationalist with a small “n”. I have this theory that, in 50 or 100 years … Read more
Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2013
I thank the Minister for his continued professional and political attention to the scourge and evils of smoking. I believe he is a committed campaigner toward the goal of making Ireland a tobacco-free society. Like those of us who have been privileged to be members of our profession and other caring health professions, we do … Read more
Medical Research -proposed changes to ethical research committees
I request the Leader to consider having a debate on medical and biomedical research, which is a very important sector of the economy. Not only does it increase the standards of science and medicine, and the standards of research, but it also improves clinical outcomes for patients and has positive and beneficial effects for the … Read more
Philantrophy and the charitable and not-for-profit sectors
It is appropriate that attention be brought to bear on this sector. I also welcome the fact that the Government will pay some attention to the not-for-profit and charitable sectors, which are somewhat distinct. I speak with a little authority on this issue and wish to give the House an opportunity to understand how a … Read more
Generic drugs, pharmaceuticals, reform of the health service.
[Speaking on the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2013] … I speak from the perspective of having worked in the health service. The issue of drugs is deadly simple. The Government should pass a law to make it mandatory to use generic drugs unless there is a specific doctor-ordered exception to the rule, … Read more
Seanad Electoral Reform Bill
I am not advancing this Bill because I wish to preserve the Seanad in the face of extinction by way of referendum; rather, I advance it because I wish to offer something better and something we have never had, namely, a truly democratic Chamber that would draw the citizens of the Republic closer to the … Read more
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