Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

If I want a squeak, I know where to call.

This is a serious matter. Senator McFadden is a dear colleague of mine and we represent the people of County Westmeath to the best of our ability in this House on a cross-party basis when it comes to an issue such as this. A total of 630 women will have to travel to Dublin to be tested. An excellent service was provided in Mullingar by Dr. McGill and his staff. Thankfully, only 26 of those ladies needed treatment last year but 630 people must now travel the distance to Dublin. Those of us in County Westmeath will have questions for the Minister when she comes to the House next week. Mullingar hospital is the hospital for Longford-Westmeath and it is the number one hospital in Ireland for value-for-money and the most efficient hospital in Ireland. Where does the Mater Hospital come in such a pecking order? Mullingar hospital is the number two hospital in Ireland for hygiene standards. The administrator in Mullingar hospital must be congratulated. This is an incredible success story. Why are the administrators from neighbouring hospitals coming to Mullingar to see how it is being done?

I compliment the Minister, Deputy Harney, for whom I have the highest regard——