Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank all the witnesses at this morning's meeting most sincerely for their thorough and informative presentations and answers to questions. On my own behalf and on behalf of the committee, I thank each of their staff for the courtesy and professionalism they bring to their work every day. Like Deputy Catherine Byrne, I had a family member in hospital recently. The reception, care and attention he received in a hospital in Cork last Tuesday was unbelievable. I thank the staff of the hospital for that. Indeed, I thank all the staff of the HSE. Mr. O'Brien was right when he wrote in his article about the adverse events that sometimes occur. Medicine is not a perfect science, but we get 80% of it right. The staff who are under the care of HSE management are, at their core, men and women of decency and value who love the work they do. I ask the HSE officials to thank them on our behalf. I thank all the members of the joint committee and wish them a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. The good news is that we have no meeting next week.