Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have no hesitation in expressing my full confidence in my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. Once more, the later-day Robespierres of Sinn Féin have rolled their shabby guillotine into this Chamber, demanding a head. For a party that has never had to govern here and ran from government in the North, it is the easy thing to do. Its approach should be contrasted with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Harris, who has taken, with relish, one of the most challenging portfolios in the Government and has tackled it admirably. I know for a fact that when the Taoiseach was appointed, the Minister was given three key tasks, which were to lead the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment, to get the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill through the Oireachtas, and to implement Sláintecare. The Minister brought a blend of passion, empathy and logic to the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment, successfully making the case for repeal, and contributed significantly to the outcome of the referendum. Despite huge pressure from various lobby groups he successfully brought the alcohol Bill through the Oireachtas. In a country that has a harmful relationship with alcohol, he led the change which will change the culture and the habits of consumption surrounding alcohol for generations to come. In a similar way he is tackling the third task, which is the implementation of Sláintecare. Most of the House supports Sláintecare, but I am much more confident that it will actually happen with this Minister at the helm. He has shown courage, focus and commitment.

It is easy to call for heads. However, to actually achieve anything requires more substantive qualities. It requires courage and the ability to take on the big challenges and the vested interests without running away. That is what distinguishes the Minister from those proposing this motion today, and that is why it is easy for me to have confidence in him.

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