Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

They are hiding behind the notion that everything will be retained as it is because they do not want change. They are not prepared to change. They tell the unions what they want to hear when it suits. They tell the staff what they want to hear and say they will keep nurses where they are needed, and that units will also be maintained. Yet they will have a policy where money follows the patient. If the patient is not there, however, neither will the nurses. The policy espoused by the Opposition will create a requirement for considerable change. I am not suggesting that the system is bad but they should tell people the truth - that it will impact on small hospitals. The primary concern should not be about maintaining a building or structure; the policy should be all about the patient.

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