Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

—we will get the results. There are many aspects to the report, including reducing the average working hours of junior doctors. Is anyone suggesting that it is wrong to reduce doctors' working hours? Are we to continue with that system? The Government has been courageous and I am delighted that the Hanly report underlines this fact. What we need is a consultant provided, not a consultant led, service. There is a major difference between the two and I look forward to the provision of a consultant provided service.

There will be much needed changes in our medical education system. These will have to take place, particularly in light of the implications of the working time directive for junior doctors. In addition, there will be a reorganisation of acute hospital services. All of the proposals in the Hanly report are fundamentally concerned with providing a quality service to patients. We must not lose sight of this in the debate during the coming weeks and months.

The report will not lead to the closure of any hospital. Neither will it lead to the so-called downgrading of services.