Dermot Fitzpatrick (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We can see the fruits of this coming through now. Deputy Finian McGrath may not believe me but I am a general practitioner and have seen the amazing changes in the health services since the Minister took office. This is not to denigrate her predecessors who dealt with serious problems and massive inertia in the health board system. The Ceann Comhairle has experience in this regard and if he does not nod in agreement he will understand what I am referring to.

I have the highest regard for Deputy O'Connor and his defence of Tallaght. He made a strong speech in support of Tallaght hospital and the retention of the children's hospital facilities there. However, there is no danger to Tallaght hospital and it will not lose the children's hospital facilities. What we are discussing is the development of a tertiary hospital on the north side of Dublin city.

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