Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I have listened with great interest. There are many at fault here. Part of the problem is that this has been allowed to go on for 30 or 40 years. I must inform Dr. Murphy that no one leaving college at present is guaranteed a job. Whether they are studying in the areas of medicine, business, child care or whatever, no one is guaranteed a job.

It all comes down to a duty of care. Regardless of whether one is a politician, a doctor, a street sweeper or a bin collector, one has a duty of care in the context of one's profession. The duty of care in this instance does not lie with the Minister, Deputy Reilly. I seldom disagree with Deputy Ó Caoláin but I must do so in the context of what he said about the Minister. The duty of care in this instance is with the HSE. Those who represent that body must be question with regard to how this situation has been allowed to obtain for so long.

I did not come here to be lectured by anybody. I am not referring to our guests but rather to others at this table who can make accusations and then leave. I take my job as a politician very seriously. I work long hours and I am rearing a family in the meantime. When I go home, I cook, do the washing and everything else. Everyone present is a professional. We all come from different backgrounds and we all chose different careers.

I reiterate that the problem in respect of this matter relates to the HSE's duty of care. The CEOs and others at the top who run our hospitals must also bear some responsibility. The blame cannot just be laid at the feet of various Ministers. I agree that the problem has not just arisen in the two years since Deputy Reilly became Minister. It has been ignored by successive Governments. However, the HSE has huge responsibility in respect of this matter and it needs to realise that fact.