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James Reilly to face no confidence motion in the Dáil

Both Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin are to table motions of no confidence in the Minister for Health over his handling of the health service.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH James Reilly is to face a motion of no confidence from Opposition parties as the Dáil resumes this week.

Both Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil are set to table the motions when the Dáil returns from its summer recess today.

The government majority means that the motions are unlikely to pass; however the move puts pressure on Labour backbenchers who are believed to be unhappy with Reilly’s swingeing cuts to the health service.

Micheál Martin said at the Fianna Fáil think-in yesterday that the no confidence motion was “the only credible response” to Reilly’s tenure as Minister for Health.

Martin criticised Reilly’s lack of action of cutting waiting lists and introducing free GP care. The Fianna Fáil leader also hit out at Reilly’s attempts to bring in “mean-spirited” cuts to the health service.

“There is no precedent for a situation where the Taoiseach praises a minister for being brave in reversing cuts while the Minister is still claiming that the cuts never existed,” said Martin.

He [Reilly] will no doubt turn up during the debate to announce that his failures are everyone else’s fault. His colleagues will engage in their usual game of attacking the opposition. But they’ll fool no one and the cold, hard facts of their promises set against the reality will be even clearer than before.

It is likely that the government will table its own motion expressing confidence in the Minister this week.

Read: After two months off, TDs return to the Dáil and here’s what to expect >

Explainer: Why is Health Minister James Reilly under pressure? >

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17 Comments
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    Mute Darren Sullivan
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    Sep 18th 2012, 7:11 AM

    I’m not happy with the cuts and think there is probably a better person for the job than Reilly but Mr Martin needs to go away.

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    Mute Micheal
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    Sep 18th 2012, 7:26 AM

    Aside from taking obviously useful lectures on how to run a health service from Mr Martin, what’s the point of this? Unless Labour and Fine Gael stay at home, it’s gonna fail!

    42
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    Mute werejammin
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    Sep 18th 2012, 8:34 AM

    Point is, Labour TDs will have to go on the record of supporting this shambles of a minister, and help end their political careers in the process. And they’l deserve it for their betrayal of their base.

    55
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    Mute Eoin Ó Nialláin
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    Sep 18th 2012, 9:15 AM

    Reilly’s entire Health campaign in the last election was based on glorious lie after glorious lie. Now he’s gone back on every single one of his promises and lied to the public about there not being any cuts even as his Department and the HSE were announcing them. Even when his Taoiseach was “praising him” for his “bravery” in reversing the cuts and even still Reilly was denying they were happening. It’s not the cuts that’s the major issue (although he is cutting cynically in the wrong places), it’s the fact that he cannot be honest with the public, nor the Dáil.

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    Mute Howard Cooley
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    Sep 18th 2012, 9:38 AM

    That’s what politicians do they have pre and post election persona’s not one party politician any different.

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    Mute Kim
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    Sep 18th 2012, 8:23 AM

    Eh Mr Martin teapot kettle ……. ring a bell.
    Short bloody memories in that FF bunch.

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    Mute Nuffsaid Thatsall
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    Sep 18th 2012, 8:34 AM

    Does Pot / Kettle ring a bell!?!

    27
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    Mute Gerard
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    Sep 18th 2012, 8:19 AM

    Has anybody ever lost their job as a result of a no confidence motion, I can’t recall it ever happening?

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    Mute Dave O'Shea
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    Sep 18th 2012, 9:12 AM

    Looks like a wino outta the morning star hostel

    19
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    Mute Declan Carroll
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    Sep 18th 2012, 12:17 PM

    Yes. That pic of him is spooky.

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    Mute Terry Turner
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    Sep 18th 2012, 7:49 AM

    Little point, the moment has passed. Better to try to get commitments from Reilly on protecting the vulnerable.

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    Mute Terry Turner
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    Sep 18th 2012, 7:51 AM

    Ps that picture should be banned. Most unfortunate pose and expression.

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    Mute Shane O Malley
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    Sep 18th 2012, 5:18 PM

    On seeing the uproar over the ‘Innocence of Muslims’ video, I would just like to say that enda kenny in dail eireann molesworth st dublin drew a picture of Muhammed with his cock in a burger bun on one of his desks.

    Please feel free to blow up our parliament

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    Mute Mick Byrne
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    Sep 18th 2012, 12:34 PM

    It doesn’t matter who is in charge the ruling classes all go to the Mater private or Blackrock, the little people don’t count, when will the thick paddy get that into his head?

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    Mute alan
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    Sep 18th 2012, 11:10 AM

    Public have already given their verdict , as even a cursory check of different media will show. Will the govt fall in with the public?

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    Mute SMcB
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    Sep 18th 2012, 11:50 PM

    Facinh a vote of no confidence for years of Fianna Fail excess? How ironic that Fianna Fail is peddling this nonsence. Time to revisit the Croke Park agreement. It’s the real elephant in the room.

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    Mute SMcB
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    Sep 18th 2012, 11:51 PM

    *Facing

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