Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the nurses, doctors and carers. Their performance in County Kerry has been outstanding and is outstanding. I sympathise with all the members of the INMO who are protesting today outside Tralee University Hospital. They should not have to be there. I say to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, that his operation as Minister is the worst part of the Government. He is the worst cog in the Government's wheel. What he has allowed to happen is shameful. There has been a recruitment embargo since this time last year, such that we were not taking on any nurses despite the fact that many nurses retire, get sick or take leave. One girl I know about - it is happening more broadly - who went on a career break for three years is home since last March but cannot get her job back. That is the carry-on that is happening.

I am completely disappointed and disillusioned by the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. I see that Micheál Martin is backing him to the hilt. He is ensuring him free passage into the next Dáil by giving him a sole nomination in Wicklow. That is what Micheál Martin thinks of him, but we do not think that of him. He allowed the reimbursement for taking people who were in danger of going blind up to the North to be reduced. Shame on him. An eye unit in University Hospital Kerry in Tralee was closed down many months ago. The eyes of people in County Kerry are as important as those in any other part of Ireland. It is a disgrace and a shame.

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