Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I pay tribute to be Irish Hospice Foundation and the various hospice groups around the country, which provide the best end-of-life care to patients. Many people are not aware that the Irish Hospice Foundation, Mayo Roscommon Hospice and various other hospices raise money and build vital facilities. They work very closely with the Department of Health. Yesterday, I saw at first hand the co-operation between Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Department of Health and the Minister, Deputy Harris. Hospices are built around the country but it is the Department of Health that funds the staffing of these facilities. It is great to see co-operation between the health service and voluntary organisations to provide the best care for patients who are at the end of life. I saw at first hand yesterday the Department allocating funding to staff the hospice, when built. A partnership between voluntary groups and the Department of Health is the right model for the country.