James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Where was the Minister when all this went on? This is the key point, lest those across the House miss it. There are times in life, even as a doctor, when one cannot do much, but one shows concern and tries to be there for the patient. There are times, when people are in difficulties, that their relatives and friends turn up and show concern even if they cannot do much about it. The Minister showed her concern by staying on the far side of the world on her terribly important 16-day trip.

I ask the Taoiseach to stop taking decisions that are only tough for the poor, the vulnerable and the sick. He should take a decision that is tough on himself - to go to the country and get a mandate from the people, because he still does not have one.

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