Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I could talk for one hour on this topic, as could everyone else, because we do not get many opportunities to discuss it in this House. The concept of centres of excellence has been much vaunted and tossed around this country in recent times. I do not understand what they mean by this. What is meant by it, but not said, is that major investment will take place in eight centres throughout the country in respect of oncology and other treatment areas. This is supposed to be cost-effective. Why would one have investment in ordinary locations where ordinary people live in different parts of the country? It is unthinkable to invest money in places like that. What about the primary needs of the patient? What about the need to deliver services to the patient where the patient lives? Regarding the relocation of the National Children's Hospital to the northside, on which I am sure the Acting Chairman has views-----

See this speech in context