Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The board of the HSE is made up of honest people, many of whom work in the public sector, some of whom come from the private sector, all of whom give a huge amount of time to their tasks. Mr. Michael McLoone comes from Donegal and the poor man has been subjected to terrible criticism for missing meetings due to personal issues. Notwithstanding the fact that the organisation is three years old, there are, of course, issues to be addressed and I acknowledge this, as would Professor Drumm, the board members or any objective person. There has never before been a change process programme on this scale in Ireland, in the public sector or private sector, so of course there will be issues, teething problems and difficulties relating to vested interests and people who do not want change.

Earlier this evening I was accused, once more, regarding my ideology. I said at the outset that I am elected by the ordinary women and men of west Dublin who work in the public and private sectors. I do not think there is a stockbroker, barrister or property developer among them. I am not here to represent the rich as they can always look after themselves. My ideology supports innovation, finding solutions and getting rid of obsolete practices.

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