Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

One of the issues that we have discussed most often here in this House is health. There are times I feel that perhaps we should also endeavour to strike a balance. In recent times I have been dealing with several families who have had to avail of hospital services and invariably they have been high in their praise of the service which they have received. We need to say that, if for no other reason than out of appreciation for the practitioners who are working in the health area.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment in taking on the health portfolio. We should be seen to be helping her. No doubt there are certain functions that need to be improved and that will always be true in any expanding service in the country. We are not being fair if we expect miracles to be achieved by Deputy Harney in a short period of time. What we really need here is a partnership between all the practitioners, be they the consultants, doctors, nurses or whoever. It is important that we in this House show a united front because at the end of the day the most important person is the patient in the hospital.