Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank everybody on this side of the House who contributed to the debate, particularly my colleagues in the Labour Party. It was significant that people concentrated on articulating the views and experiences of ordinary people in their constituencies who sometimes encounter horrific problems in accessing health care. Many speakers could have scored political points by talking about squandering resources and the wasteful habits of this Government but instead they chose to use the time effectively to bring forward the concerns of people who have no other way of being heard.

It was interesting that the Fianna Fáil contributions were about problems, such as the need for more radiotherapy services, or to deal with MRSA, or the elderly. The speakers might as well have been on this side of the House.

With some regret I say the Minister made a most unworthy speech, the worst I have ever heard Deputy Harney or anybody in this House make. It was silly and self-serving, and trivialised serious matters in the health service.

See this speech in context