Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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I am wrapping up. The same point also applies to integrated care.

The Minister referenced new politics. I do not believe new politics. I am of the view that the concept is a joke, frankly. How would someone sitting in the Minister's position deal with the situation? We are going to put in place a plan for ten years. Yet, potentially, a report on the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, could conclude that maternity services, accident and emergency services and paediatric services have to go. How will that come into place? I am not suggesting that it should. I am simply using it as an example. How would that come into place if there is a Minister who is representing that area sitting beside the Minister for Health at Cabinet, especially given the political times in which we live?

I am somewhat annoyed about this last matter. We read all the principal issues arising from the Minister's statement in the media before he came before the committee. That was disrespectful to the committee. Why did it happen? If it was simply a mistake, the Minister should say so and we will all move on. However, it is something the Minister should explain.