Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

That brings some clarity to the matter. The Minister spoke about consulting widely but has not done so. I have been contacted by many groups which are appalled at the manner in which the Bill was rushed through the Dáil. They suggested that some amendments which, incidentally, reflected Government policy, were not accepted or even properly debated. The Irish Nurses Organisation, the trade unions, including SIPTU and IMPACT, and others have grave concern about the pace at which the legislation is proceeding through the Houses. The Minister has not consulted as widely as she should have.

The public is cynical. I was appalled to read in newspaper reports recently about a survey, of which none of us can be proud, in which the public gave all politicians a thumbs down on health. People believe we cannot do anything in health. We have had report after report in recent years but little action.