Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

If we have increased services and improved cancer care, people live longer. It is a simple conclusion to draw. In 1996 Ireland had the 15th highest life expectancy of these same 27 countries, and we moved to seventh highest by 2005. With a collectively positive, courageous and innovative approach to health care we can continue to make great progress over the coming years.

I acknowledge that the Opposition has every right to highlight real shortcomings in our health service and I applaud its vigilance in doing so. However, with that right comes the responsibility of acknowledging improvement when it occurs and the need for political courage to support change at local level when it needs to happen.