Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

That is the case and that is why it must be given priority. However, I am of the view that a great deal of money will be saved in the medium to long term because if doctors are competent, up to speed and possess the requisite skills, patients do better. Such patients are obviously less of a burden on the health system than those who were treated inappropriately by doctors who did not possess the necessary skills and who required follow-up treatment. Although it will be costly in the initial period, it will prove very cost effective in the medium term.