Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The hypocrisy of certain Members opposite never ceases to amaze me. For the period in which Deputy Kelleher's party was in government, there was a staff reduction of 2,276 in the HSE. His party has presided over the decimation of the health service. Deputy McHugh was right. Deputy Martin funked it in health. Fianna Fáil funked it. The party gave the cup of health to Ms Mary Harney because none of them wanted it. They were happy to have her out there front and centre. Deputy McGrath would not even vote against that Government on health, but he voted against them on stag hunting. He did not have the bottle to support his conviction.

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