Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming before the committee. I want to be constructive because it is easy to be negative and throw dirt at the Minister. I know many people who have got a great service in hospital. I know many people who go to doctors or to their local health clinic and get a great service.

I also know many people who are scared out of their wits from much of what is said in the Houses. I refer to the statements of politicians in general and perhaps not to the Minister specifically.

Deputy Conway referred to the snap decision made by the HSE. It was a very cynical decision. I believe the HSE actually said it will cause as much trouble as it can and make cuts affecting the most vulnerable. Can the Minister ask those responsible not to do that and ensure the cuts do not affect old people? I do not want to see 89 and 99 year olds having their home help hours cut. I ask the Minister to micro-manage the system in a better way such that people who are really vulnerable will not be scared out of their wits. I have elderly parents who are scared.

That said, many people who enter hospital emerge much better. On listening to politicians in Dáil Éireann, one would believe that nobody gets better. There are many fine people, including doctors and nurses, working in the health service and HSE. We treat them as if they are not good people. Politicians should be trying to help those in the system. While I know the requirements of the Opposition, I believe we have a serious problem. The country is in debt and we must be positive. Perhaps I am too naive to be listening to all the negative comments. Thank God, I know many people who emerged from hospital or the doctor's practice and got better. What I really respect about the Minister is that he is a doctor. He wants to do what is best for the country and the health system.