Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In respect of young Maeve McGivern, the Minister for Health has apologised to the McGivern family for what happened. It should not have happened. As a parent I can only begin to estimate the trauma and the absolute consternation that applied. They had been waiting for the phone call for 11 months and when it came, the follow through was not possible. I too want to find out the exact sequence of what transpired from when the phone call was made from the hospital in the first instance. As soon as an accurate report becomes available, the Minister for Health will present it to the House because it is in everybody's interests, as Maeve's father said, that this should not happen again. I respect that people working in these sectors have a genuine commitment to seeing that things happen properly.

In terms of values our republic should be seen as the best place in which to raise a family and grow old with dignity and respect. The decisions of Government and the moneys paid by taxpayers provide services and opportunities through education and health whereby young people can have competence and confidence to stand on any stage in the world. They should have the opportunity to grow and develop; they should a sense of prosperity and achievement and have career opportunities here if that is what they want. That is what good government is about. Internationally, our country should be seen as a place of vibrancy, energy, initiative and endeavour where first class services apply. That, unfortunately, is not the case now and is why the Government has set out what we believe are the main targets in our programme for Government which has the potential to turn around the fortunes of the country and of our people.

These challenges will not be easily taken on, but they will be taken on because the Government is focused on bringing about a situation whereby we can understand that the values to which I referred can be achieved in an environment where political decisions are seen to be made strictly in the interests of our people and our country.

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