James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----at the end of that month, not alone did we maintain a safe service, we have improved it as I outlined. As an Irishman I believe that what makes Ireland a great country is not the wonderful landscape, the rivers and the green fields but the people, their resilience, compassion and their capacity for innovation. I similarly believe the health service will be one of the best in the world because of the great people working in it. It is my honour and privilege to serve as Minister for Health and to be a part of this historic change in our health service - change that is for the benefit of all our citizens. I intend to continue in this role, to continue the reform and to always put the patient first. I commend the Government's amendment to the motion to the House.

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