The 12th Ordinary meeting of the Literific took place on the 18th of December 2014 in the
Senate room and was attended by 49 Members. Presidents Questions were heard from Andrew Carruthers, and Sophie Straftfull who both paid their fines for despicable behaviour at the previous debate which meant everyone got a little merry on a few glasses of port. Questions were also heard from Mr Brendan Kelters, Miss Marie-Louise Synnott, and Captain Ciaran Gallagher. The Senate room then heard gasps echoing through the rafters as none other but our Eternal Leader, Mr Paul Francis Shannon entered the building, a sight which sent the secretary all a flutter. In a preliminary vote based on the prior beliefs of members of the house, the literific votes on the motion THW Privatise the NHS, a vote which read 0 ayes, 26 nays, and 7 abstaining. Madam President Pouryahya then opened the debate.
Mr Michael Shields in his maiden speech for the society opened for the proposition who argued that we should be open to the prospect of a market within the health service. Using the example of the US in argued in favour of a opt out National Health service where people could perhaps choose a private provider. In claims that a market economy system of healthy provision would lead to degraded levels of care, he said that to look at the food market shows that essential human needs can be met through a competitive market.
Mr Cormac Manning then opened for the opposition arguing that this is a debate about values which effects us all. He stated that health is not a luxury and as such is not only for the rich, and is important enough to make sure that it is done right, something that could not be certain in a market situation. He argued that we need a public health care system that values everyone on balance and concluded that health care should be given to those who need it, not to those with the biggest wallets.
Mr James Crowe then continued for the proposition and stated that they were in agreement that health care is a basic right, but that the government should aid only those who cannot afford it and that the rich should be allowed to pay for their own because they are able to. He argued the efficiency of a private system and concluded that a market based health care system would be better, more competitive and health conscious.
Mr Jack Thompson then continued for the opposition and stated the fact that in a private system, those in most need were the ones least likely to receive. He said that if health care were run by business men, there would be a loss of accountability. business men are not held to a moral code and would benefit from people being sick, a system he saw as unethical. A system that weighed profit over care he concluded was not the way forward.
Dr Richard Henry then closed the case for the proposition stating his disappointment in the limp arguments made by the opposition. He declared that the NHS, Royal Mail and Monarchy all suck and that we should treat the NHS like an elderly grandparent by shoving it in the corner and ignoring it. He stated that the NHS WAS a good idea but has become irrelevant and outdated. He asked Mr Thompson if he really trusted politicians over business men and concluded with the benefits of a pro active market based system for a healthy society.
Miss Kylie Noble then in her maiden speech closed the case for the opposition by stating the need for a moral, economic and realistic Goal. Ms Noble spoke of how health care effects us all and as such is a basic right. She refuted Dr Henry by stating that the NHS is far from irrelevant and concluded by urging the house to vote against the motion.
The debate then moved to the floor as questions were heard from Miss Sophie Straftfull, Mr Jonny Finlay, Captain Ciaran Gallagher, Miss Sophie Barker, and Mr Eoin Rice.
A second vote was taken based on speakers performance which read 7 Ayes, 13 Nays, and 3 Abstentions. The motion failed.