Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Taoiseach that he insults those who are morbidly obese when he states that prevention is better than cure. We are referring here to patients who could be 20 or 24 stone, facing imminent organ failure. One would not say that to a heart patient, nor to a cancer patient. We have developed those services, such as cancer services, where we want immediate intervention based on clinical assessment.

Professor O'Shea made a good point when he stated that because the Minister does not take it seriously enough, obese patients were subject to the last remaining acceptable discrimination. The Minister does not get it that this is a life-saving operation. This is not a lifestyle choice for those concerned right now. It is an urgent surgical intervention that is required to prevent loss of life.

We prioritise in the health service. One always would prioritise in terms of life-saving surgical interventions vis-à-visnon-life-saving surgical interventions.

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