Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Minister knows people are living longer and that there is much better cancer care and coronary care. He knows the level of service is much better now than in 1997. It is entirely dishonest to suggest that is not the case. The Minister should accept what has been achieved since 1997. He should accept there is a much better service and that the investment was not wasted, which is, sadly, what people are suggesting from the backbenches tonight. The latter are saying that, in spite of all the money invested, nothing was delivered.

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