Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

We are doing so, and for as long as I have been in the Oireachtas — 30 years this summer — hospitals in the north east have been a major political issue. Every time that we were about to get around to doing something imaginative, it was suddenly reversed, one of the reasons behind current problems. The consultant cardiothoracic surgeon appointed, Ms McGovern, is well respected nationally and internationally. She is the appropriate person to oversee implementation of a programme of reform in the region, in particular ensuring that patient safety is foremost in the minds of everyone involved in the change process under way. That is happening, as the Deputy knows.

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