John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

The Minister should ensure, as with the National Treatment Purchase Fund, that providing money to the special delivery unit means people on waiting lists for long periods of time get the operations they require. It is the least they deserve from a service that is supposed to deliver health services throughout the country. I call for direct intervention by the Minister. He often called for it when in opposition. It is a pity he is not present to show some respect not only for the debate but for the patient whom we are trying to serve against a system which seems to be crumbling in front of the Minister.

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