Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I reiterate my thanks to the committee, particularly to Deputies Ó Caoláin, Kelleher and Healy and Senator van Turnhout for their co-operation during the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. I thank the Minister, Ministers of State and Department officials for the manner in which they held the hearings and assisted the committee in their presence at the meetings. I particularly pay tribute to Ms Geraldine Luddy for her work in the Department. She worked very hard behind the scenes, along with others.

I welcome Mr. Tony O'Brien and congratulate him on his appointment as director general of the Health Service Executive, soon to be the healthcare commissioning agency, HCA. During this year our committee has been concerned about medical cards, cost containment by the HSE and the plight of non-consultant hospital doctors, NCHDs, regarding recruitment and working conditions.