Urgent Debates Declined — Counties Manukau District Health Board—Board Appointments and Removals

I have received a letter from Jami-Lee Ross seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the actions of the Minister of Health in relation to the appointment and removal of members of the Counties Manukau District Health Board. This is a case of particular recent occurrence—in fact, it’s a particular case of recent occurrence that involves ministerial responsibility.

Urgent debates are held on matters that require the immediate attention of the House. On the information presented to me, I am not persuaded that the matter requires the urgent attention of the House. A better opportunity to examine it will arise in the Health Committee’s Estimates hearing for Vote Health, which is being held tomorrow, and in the subsequent Estimates debate. The application is, therefore, declined.