Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister for Health has taken on what is probably the most unenviable task in Irish politics, to sort out the jungle that has existed for so many years in a health system that has been dysfunctional in many areas. All of the Minister's work and commitment is focused on that so that patients get the best level of care and attention possible. This is not easy as structures have had to be changed and the Government is focused on introducing a single insurance system, with strong primary care systems backed by community care. He must also deal with the spectrum of strong vested interests that have been around for some time. The Minister is making substantial headway in a difficult situation. Meeting the challenges in the health area requires enormous commitment from everybody, as evidenced at the end of February when so many people exited the health sector, yet the hospital plans signed off by each hospital manager involved changes of rosters, people travelling long distances and showing exceptional commitment as part of clinical and medical teams. The code of conduct set out for every Minister means Ministers do not conduct a business while serving in a ministerial capacity and the Minister has assured me that all of his affairs, in so far as his many business interests are concerned, are entirely in order in respect of the code of conduct of officeholders.

I suppose Deputy Adams could tell me about the Northern Bank or something else. I do not know what he knows about those things, but I am not in a position to answer questions about individuals.

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