David Norris (Independent)

I remember within approximately three weeks of the Tánaiste assuming the post of Minister for Health and Children, she was questioned very aggressively about why there were still flaws in the health service. The problems facing the health service will not be solved instantly and easily. It will take time to seriously tackle these problems. While we are correct in monitoring the Minister's progress, it would not be fair to try to issue a final report on her performance until she has had a reasonable amount of time to allow her to address problems. People like myself who are lucky enough to be independent and not susceptible to the vagaries of a rural constituency with a hospital interest or hospital candidate will stand up and state that if the Minister wishes to try to implement things like the Hanly report, she will receive the strongest possible intellectual commitment and support from us.