Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for that information and for looking after my interests when I was being ambushed.

I hope the remit and programme of services laid out for us in Sustaining Progress will be delivered as quickly as possible. I also hope we will be able to have doctors constantly on call. This is one of the huge issues in Athlone and the very least a patient should demand.

I am very pleased with the report. I wish it an accelerated rate of implementation and hope its very desirable goals will be realised. The Minister, Deputy Martin, who heads the Department of Health and Children excellently, and his two Ministers of State would best serve the nation if they set about the implementation of the report speedily and correctly for the benefit of the health of the people.