Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We are aware that additional staff is required in this area and the Tánaiste has given resources for that. More consultant staff are required for many of our specialist services. We have significantly increased the number of staff in the health service to more than 106,000 people and we will continue to do so. The provision of services for cystic fibrosis patients is an important area. I am not arguing that we do not need to improve the service. However, I object to the constant attempts to talk down the 106,000 people who provide a good service.

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