Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many Members on the opposite side were members of defunct parties, including some in ministerial ranks. The Minister has argued that this is all the fault of the last Government; nevertheless, the people saying this and the staff representing the Minister are the same people who were in the last Government. It is a bit much to hear it repeatedly explained that it is the fault of the last Government as we are talking about the same staff. The only difference is the Minister is at the top, and it is annoying to hear his spokesperson make such comments.

The Minister has given himself more power with this legislation to direct the health service in any way he sees fit, which is a retrograde step. We will now see the politicisation of the health service.