Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following:

"commends the Government for the unprecedented increase in the level of investment in the health service since 1997 and for its comprehensive reform programme, supports the early implementation of reform measures, notes the progress that is being made already in implementing the health strategy, Quality and Fairness — a Health System for You, and supports the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children in her commitment to provide better health services for all members of the community."

I will share time with the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley.

In examining the motion tabled by the Independent Deputies, I was amazed to note the reference that the number of consultant rheumatologists per population is the lowest in the EU and considerably lower than in non-EU countries such as Croatia and the USSR. Are the Independent Deputies aware that the USSR as a political entity vanished approximately a decade ago?

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