Blog Archives
So You Know Those Penalty Points?
Several TDs have attempted to raise the issue of penalty points being removed from people’s licences in the Dáil.
Mick Wallace, Clare Daly, Joan Collins and Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan all sought to speak about the matter but were prevented from doing so by the Leas Ceann Comhairle who said that Minister’s Questions was not the forum in which to raise the issue.
Minister of State for Health Alex White to Introduce Proposals Next Year to Legalise Cannabis Based Medicine.
In a written Dáil response issued to Mr Flanagan, Minister of State for Health Alex White said he hoped to bring legislative proposals early next year to make cannabis-based medicinal products available on prescription.
Mr Flanagan said, “This should not be taking as long as it is. The Government should hurry up on this as there are people going through hell out there being not able to get the proper pain relief.”
Independent TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan, has campaigned for many years for medicinal cannabis to be available on prescription for cancer and multiple sclerosis sufferers, and others suffering from ill-health,
No confidence
No confidence
A one act Play from the Dáil Starring Luke Ming Flanagan
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan:
When one applies for a job in the normal world, one is supposed to tell the truth about what one will do, how hard one will work, and what one’s qualifications are.
In advance of the general election in an open letter to the people of Roscommon, the person who is now Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, said the following:
I would like to confirm that Fine Gael undertakes, in accordance with the Fine Gael Policy on Local Hospitals, to retain the Emergency, Surgical, Medical and other health services at Roscommon Hospital, which are present on the formation of the 31st Dáil. [It got even better, though.] Furthermore, in the event of the A&E being downgraded, we are committed to reinstating a 24/7 service, where feasible.
In a normal job when one tells a porky, one loses one’s job if found out. For that reason alone – there are many other reasons – the Minister should resign.
Deputy Paul Kehoe:
When is the Deputy going?
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan:
I support the motion. The motion of no confidence also presents the perfect opportunity for Deputy Feighan to show that the 9,000-plus people who voted for him at the last general election did not completely waste their time.
(Interruptions).
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan:
With respect, may I have the protection of the Chair?
Acting Chairman (Deputy Charlie McConalogue):
Order, please. Let the speaker finish as he has only a few seconds left.
(Interruptions).
Acting Chairman (Deputy Charlie McConalogue):
Order, please. As the Deputy has only a few seconds remaining, I ask him to finish up.
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan:
No problem – I thank you very much.
A Deputy:
The Deputy can give it but cannot take it.
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan: The reality is people should tell the truth when they go before the electorate.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Charlie McConalogue):
The Deputy’s time is up.
Deputy Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan: That is very important. They should stand by the people – they pay their wages.
Acting Chairman (Deputy Charlie McConalogue):
I ask for order from both sides of the House, particularly the Government side when other speakers are speaking.
The Taoiseach: On 9 March 2011, I nominated Dr. James Reilly as Minister for Health. I did so, not because he has decades of experience as a GP or because he developed a radical policy to create a patient-centred health system, but because he has a passionate commitment to creating a health service that puts the patient first….
Editorial comment:
I suspect we will never hear a response from Reilly to Ming’s comments and ditto from Frank Feighan.
It is likely in the next election the good people of Roscommon will give Dumb Frank the boot and justifiable so.
As for Reilly now, he has become a complete joke, professionally and personally. He is so incompetent that I am flabbergasted to hear the Taoiseach defend him openly. Kenny needs to remove this man straight away to an inactive post, as he is a liability to the Country.
The performance given by Flanagan in this one act play points to a bright future for this young man. However, at some stage he may have to make a choice between scripting and acting. Whatever the case the man is a national treasure. A person you can rely on to uplift the collective mental state of the nation.