Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Listening to the contributions of Deputy Kelleher et al., I felt it was a bit like the parishioner who at the beginning of Holy Week went to the sacrament of reconciliation but, not having the courage to go in private to the confessional, went for the open absolution instead to purge himself of his sins.

I am sorry Deputy Martin is not present tonight, because he was the architect of much of our health policy.I am curious as to why we are debating the motion outlined by the Fianna Fáil Party, because we now have a health system on the brink of reform and have a better health budget than in the past seven years. I accept we have a difficulty in regard to the reconfiguration of the service, particularly in the south. I appeal to the Minister of State to consider this, particularly in regard to ophthalmology and the reconfiguration of these services in Cork, because the deficits in that area need to be addressed.

I am amazed that we are discussing a Private Members' motion on health put forward by a party that has no plan or policy.

See this speech in context