Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I agree with the Taoiseach that the work of the NESF was indeed invaluable. However, my concern is now about what will be done with the body of work it produced over the years. I am particularly interested in the area of health and children, but across all subjects the Government has sadly ignored much of what the NESF has commended to it in terms of policy direction. The Taoiseach mentioned the consultants' contract. Sadly, any Dáil Deputy, including those on the Government back benches, will be able to tell him that we have nothing but a plethora of difficulties in terms of access to consultants in the public health system by ordinary people who are dependent on medical cards. The waiting times for first appointments are outrageous. In real terms, there has been no difference in the vast majority of cases that are brought to my attention on a weekly basis, including as recently as yesterday. It is all very well-----

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