Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

A number of the Private Members' motions tabled during the lifetime of this Dáil have been positive. This motion is, however, the most hypocritical and nonsensical tabled thus far. The HSE was mentioned by Fianna Fáil Deputies eight times. However, none mentioned that the HSE was established by Deputy Martin, when Minister for Health and Children. We had 14 years of Fianna Fáil in Government during which time former Deputies Brian Cowen and Mary Harney were responsible for the health portfolio and services provided to the people of our country deteriorated. This changed when Deputy James Reilly became Minister for Health.

The Minister has through the special delivery unit put in place targets which were achieved in year one. No targets were set during the lifetime of the previous Administration. I agree that it is extremely regrettable that owing to the mismanagement and abuse of our country by Fianna Fáil we now have to take €1 billion out of the health service to restore our independence and sovereignty. The Minister for Health is to be commended on achieving his targets last year in respect of a reduction in the number of people on trolleys, a reduction in waiting times for people needing elective surgery and his development of a strong momentum towards free GP and universal care, which the people of our country voted for in such huge numbers. The Government and Minister have this month set new targets in this regard.

The creation of 1,000 new jobs in the north east was announced today. Yet we are faced again this evening with this doomsday nonsense. Week after week this Government is proving that it is able to combat and that there is a better way for our people. For Fianna Fáil to criticise the monster that is the HSE, which it created, smacks of hypocrisy and nonsense. The people are aware, as the good news continues to be announced, that Fianna Fáil is becoming more and more desperate.

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