Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I congratulate my county colleague, Deputy Hoctor, Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, and wish her the best of luck on her new appointment.

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this crucial issue at this time of crisis in the health service. Where should one start in convincing the Government of the seriousness of this issue? Just a few months ago the Government promised the health services would develop and be fully supported over the coming years, but these empty promises have been broken. In the past few weeks we have seen a recruitment freeze and the closing down of spending by the HSE. Despite questions on behalf of constituents, the Opposition is still in the dark about how long this will continue——

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