Urgent Debates Declined — Southern District Health Board—Replacement of Board

I have received a letter from Dr David Clark seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the dismissal of all members of the Southern District Health Board and the appointment of a commissioner. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The dismissal of the board and the appointment of a commissioner were announced this morning. This is an important issue upon which debates have been held in the past. However, the Minister of Health has made a ministerial statement on the matter in the House today and, importantly, Dr Clark has had the opportunity to comment on it. On this basis, I am not convinced that I should set aside further business of the House today. The application is therefore declined.