Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I visited a second time officially. I regularly visit hospitals at short notice. I can do so, given that I know many people who work in hospitals and can walk in. I have visited, without notice, Connolly hospital in Blanchardstown, St. James’s Hospital, the Mater Hospital, Tallaght hospital at 8 p.m. and St. Vincent’s University Hospital and will do so again. Any time a Minister, an important person or a VIP visits anywhere, there will be those who will want to put their best foot forward and make things look as good as possible. If Senator Mark Daly ever has the opportunity to be a Minister, he will know this. The reverse also happens. At a union meeting a nurse admitted to having moved a patient out of a cubicle to a corridor in order that I would see what the hospital looked like on a bad day. Therefore, it happens both ways. When people know the Minister is coming, they organise protests and confront me with issues that might not arise on the day. I did not come down in the last shower; I am not that stupid, which is why I make visits at short or no notice, as well as planned visits.