Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to share time with Deputy Fleming.

As is traditional on these occasions, I thank the Fine Gael spokesperson on health for his work on this motion, which gives us an opportunity to discuss this important issue. I compliment the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, in this area. It is good that we in this House should reflect public concerns about this issue.

I have just come from a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children which was attended by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the chief executive of the HSE, Professor Brendan Drumm. I got more excited at that meeting than is usual for me so I am happy to come to this Chamber where everything is calm and in which I may calmly make my contribution on this serious matter.

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