John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I shall finish on this point. To bring clarity to the issue of cancellation of operations, which I heard discussed on a radio programme last week, I point out that operations are cancelled for a variety of reasons. The patient may be deemed unfit to proceed, the procedure may be cancelled by the patient or the guardian, or there may be normal rescheduling due to appointment times not being suitable.

I support the long-term strategy of providing a world-class paediatric service. Arising from her commitments in the past, the Minister will deliver this level of health reform and I support her fully.

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