Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Over time, the health board system proved itself. I grew up in the Midland Health Board area and have lived for the last 25 years in the North Western Health Board area. I take my hat off to pay tribute to those who have worked in the North Western Health Board, particularly the chief executive officer, Mr. Pat Harvey and his predecessors. I pay tribute to the staff of the board and board members. I am delighted that the Bill allows public representatives to have an input.

The County Sligo town of Bellahy borders the County Mayo town of Charlestown. The two towns are virtually joined by one continuous street with the people of Bellahy living alongside the people of Charlestown. However, both towns fall under different health board areas. Patients from Charlestown are sent to Mayo General Hospital in Castlebar, while patients from Bellahy are sent to Sligo General Hospital. It makes no sense as Castlebar is the same distance from Bellahy-Charlestown as Sligo. For specialist treatment, patients from Charlestown must travel 90 miles to Galway when they could travel 20 miles to Sligo. I am glad such practices will be tidied up by the Bill.

The choice of 1 January for the implementation of these proposals is an excellent one. This date, along with the end of July, is when the biggest changes in the health service occur with the changeover of junior hospital doctor positions. I compliment the Tánaiste on her comprehensive speech which she put across in a lovely way in plain and simple English. The Bill will ensure a better outcome for patients. The Opposition will, depending on when it gets its head around it in six or 18 months, eventually wake up to see patients will be better served by the Bill.