Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and his officials to the House. First, I want to compliment the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, on the excellent decision to introduce the smoking ban. The more one travels abroad, the more one realises what a positive decision it was and how generations to come will thank their lucky stars, especially passive smokers who do not want to inhale smoke. I compliment the Government on that issue. I was in France recently and the thoughts of a pub full of smoke would deter one from going into pubs there. This decision will play a significant role in reducing the rates of cancer in the country. Perhaps we can now take matters a step further and try to encourage smokers to either cease smoking or cut down on it because there is a clear link with cancer. However, I am critical of the Government for not increasing the tax on cigarettes or alcohol in the budget, which should have happened. Given the clear link between alcohol and cigarettes, this would create an incentive to reduce the use of cigarettes and alcohol which are linked to cancer.

I was in Blanchardstown hospital this morning for a check-up for a recurring asthma problem. I was very impressed with the facilities and the way the clinic operated. I was attended to immediately. I had X-rays taken and the level of service was fantastic. All of this was free of charge, which amazed me. One might ask what has this to do with the debate, but it proves that these clinics can work. We do not need to centralise massive hospitals as clinics such as the respiratory one to which I refer can work very effectively. While we often criticise the health service, we should also admit when it works well, as happens most of the time. Unfortunately, the media tends to focus on the negative aspects.

I disagree with the motion which excludes men. Men should always be included in a motion on cancer treatment. I agree with Senator Ryan who said that the Government's amendment is ambiguous. The Department of Health and Children should be directing the HSE to roll out cancer services rather than the idea of the Minister asking the HSE for a roll-out of these services. In fact, the HSE should be doing so automatically.

I was confused listening to Senator White because I am not sure whether she was for or against the motion. She appeared to be praising and criticising the current Minister, Deputy Harney, and criticising previous Ministers, Deputies Cowen and Martin. She appeared to be attacking the officials in the Department as if the Ministers did not have the final say. Ultimately, the Minister has the final say. Blaming officials is taking the easy option but, ultimately, responsibility and accountability lies with the Minister. It is not fair to blame anonymous civil servants when the job of the politician in charge of the Department is to make decisions. I hope this trait which may be lacking in some Ministers will change over time.

When I examine the record of this and the previous Government, Senator Minihan will be pleased to hear that between the Fianna Fáil manifesto and the programme for Government——