Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will be very brief. Sometimes one looks at the Opposition benches and says "fair enough, a real issue". At other times, one looks at them and thinks that the issue raised is so cynical, it is beyond expression. I am reminded of the best example of cynicism in the political system, which was the decentralisation process engaged in by some of those now on the Opposition benches who, when in Government, gave a new meaning to the phrase "one for everybody in the audience". I congratulate the Minister for coming to the Chamber today. He showed real courage and a willingness to explain himself in the face of what can only be described as a somewhat cynical attack.

My grandmother had a series of hats in her wardrobe and she always told me that if one waits long enough, it will come back into fashion. To some extent, what we are looking at now in respect of the primary care programme is history repeating itself. I am reminded of the closures of the cottage hospitals during the 1970s and 1980s where we were far too quick and willing to look to centralisation and centres of excellence. As we look into an Ireland where we facing an ageing population, primary care centres are the future. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy White, to the House. This is one of the most important programmes this Government will embark upon and wish the Minister of State the best of success.