Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I know there are Members of the House who believe we should hold on to all of those hospitals, something we cannot do. This plan, which is costly and which the Government supports, will ensure the north east will get a modern, integrated and safe hospital and patient services.

Deputy Kenny knows that whoever is in Government for the next number of years, that plan will be unveiled. It is right to do this. We want to protect small hospitals that are unable to provide the services while on the other we want to argue for better medical services. We will continue to implement a better health service. We are not world class in every area, we know that, but we continue to resource the health service and make our services top class in many areas. We should acknowledge that.

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