Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

The Minister has been there since January 2000. I remember the day he was appointed. It was around 26 January 2000, the day my father was buried. From working in the health service, I know at first hand how the Minister is viewed. I said this last week and I am sorry for repeating it but it warrants repetition. The Minister is well recognised and appreciated by both patient and medic, in particular by the medics, the consultants. I now have to listen to the Opposition shouting all sorts of nonsense.

I do not recognise Senator Browne's depiction of waiting lists in paediatrics as this is one of the areas where there is no waiting list. The Minister will shortly introduce competence assurance for all medical practitioners. This will have a very positive impact on patients. I have experienced at first hand his great interest in the area of enterpise liability.

We should be sensible and harbour no illusions that €9 billion is not a wonderful sum to invest in the area of medicine in one year. The nature of health care means it will continue to absorb funding. We all know from media reports that the Minister is constantly knocking at the Minister for Finance's door seeking more funding. I would go as far as to say he is one of the best Ministers for Health the State has had or is likely to have. I agree with everything Senator White said in praise of the Minister. I am delighted to be associated with the motion.