Sir, I exercised a rare democratic privilege, and attended Dail Eireann to hear the debate on the Fianna Fail motion in support of the extension of the Tribunal deadline for Hepatitis C victims.
I arrived early and was present for much of the debate on the Luas Bill. I was struck by the absence of so many TDs in the Dail Chamber. Suddenly a dong" went off and, like cattle at a market, the chamber began to fill. There was light hearted banter and greeting between those present. Then suddenly a vote was called by the Ceann Comhairle and TDs moved to either the right or left. The vote was over and the TDs dispersed as quickly as they had arrived. Next day the lead story was "Government defeated in the Dail".
By 7.30 p.m. the public gallery was full with victims of Hepatitis C, their families and supporters. The debate kicked off with about six to seven TDs present and, like the Luas debate, the number never increased. The gallery was overflowing with anxious constituents and the Chamber was almost empty as the debate ensued on behalf of the victims. Looking down from the gallery into the chamber reminded me of a "ghost shift", when you know there are people clocked in and being paid, but you just cannot find them!
The Hepatitis C controversy was about people, not policy, strategy or grants in aid. It was a real life tragedy and the victims who wanted Government compassion and actions were present, seated and waiting. Where were their elected TDs? Why was the Dail Chamber not full or even decently represented to hear and participate in such an important personal issue prior to voting?
The answer of course is the "whip", a British parliamentary invention devised to protect the Cabinet against elected representatives. We do not elect individual TDs, with individual consciences to champion the cause of the electorate who vote for them to represent them as real people. We vote for Government(s)! It is not necessary that our TDs be present, or even informed. It is only important that they be in the vicinity of Dail Eireann when the "dong" goes off, and vote according to the whip's instructions.
The Government (whip) won against the Hepatitis C victims, and others had to give an excuse for being absent for missing the tram, sorry the Luas Bill. There is no excuse or apology required for the Hepatitis C victims. The whip won. Yours, etc., Castledillon, Straffan, Co Kildare.