Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

Governments submit themselves to the people every five years, when they can be dismissed, but this Government has been returned for a third time in a new and enlarged configuration and while it retains the confidence of a majority in Dáil Éireann it will remain in office. It will not allow individual Government members to be targeted and taken out by an aggressive Opposition or elements of the media.

The reform and improvement of our health service is as difficult a task as it is elsewhere, and setbacks are likely to be encountered along the way. The Minister has the support of this side of the House in her perseverance, particularly as there is seldom any critical acknowledgement of long-term progress or the many daily unsung achievements.

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