Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I also welcome the opportunity to make a short contribution to this debate. The development of primary care services is highly important and I believe it to be an essential component of the health services reform process. Moreover, it was a key issue during last year's general election. I will take this opportunity to commend the Minister, Deputy Reilly, on the manner in which he literally has taken this issue by the scruff of the neck whereas others, who were his predecessors not that long ago, considered the health portfolio to be akin to Angola.

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