Dáil Sketch:The medical profession came under intense scrutiny in the Dáil yesterday, writes Michael O'Regan.
The Medical Practitioners Bill, updating the ways of the profession, gave deputies an opportunity to give their views on the health issue, which is likely to feature prominently in the general election campaign.
There was a good turnout of deputies for the 10.30am start, given that it was a special Friday sitting. Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton, uncharacteristically tieless for an appearance in the Chamber, sat in the leader's seat for the opening formalities and then retreated to his office.
Some Government backbenchers also went back to their offices, aware that there is an election in the offing. Fianna Fáil's Ned O'Keeffe, having helped to provide the necessary Government quorum, rose from his seat with the speed of an Olympic high-jumper. Those who remained participated in a workmanlike debate.
The end of that era when the doctor was an unchallenged pillar of society was underlined by Minister for Health Mary Harney.
"In very many areas of Irish life, we are removing the old glue of deference to institutions and submission to authority.
"We are removing these, not simply because they have lost their binding force, but, also, because they are no longer appropriate to the type of society we are and we want."
Conscious, perhaps, of her confrontation with some of the health professionals, she added: "It is important that we actually replace one binding force with another, one that is now based on mutual respect, accountability, agreed standards; in short, one that supports relationships of trust."
Consultants had an unlikely champion in Dublin North Central TD Finian McGrath, generally perceived to be anti-establishment.
"It might surprise people to hear me defending their interests. I strongly support the policy of consultants working in the public sector, and it must be emphasised that they have made a major contribution to the development of the health services."
He did not believe that having "macho rows", a few weeks before a general election, would resolve the issue.
Fine Gael's Dr Liam Twomey pulled no punches about what he thought should be done with those among his colleagues who are found to be incompetent.
"There are doctors who should not be practising medicine, and it is important we remove them from involvement in the care of patients."
Veteran Cork East Labour TD Joe Sherlock was nostalgic for the old health board days. Visibly angry and waving a copy of Ms Harney's script, he said he wanted to state clearly why he was speaking on the issue.
"The health advisory committees were abolished because the opportunity arose for public representatives and medical people to raise issues.
"Following a case in the north Cork area, a move was made to abolish the committees. Later, the Southern Health Board was abolished."
All politics, particularly in the run-up to an election, are local.