Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put on record that the Minister has asked the HSE to address the immediate issues as a priority and to ensure the hospital is appropriately supported. No one wants to see anyone being treated badly or dying in our hospitals. It is important to put on record our thanks to the women and families who have come forward and to acknowledge their bravery. However, we must also give recognition to the Minister and the Government as well as the previous Government for putting in place increases in staffing and funding. That is not something Senator Devine referred to in her contribution.

Senator James Reilly reinforced the messages of Senator Swanick and Senator McDowell.

Senator Leyden raised the contentious issue of the Athlone boundary. I join Senator Leyden in hoping that Senators Feighan, Hopkins and McFadden are in the next Dáil. I hope Senator Leyden will join me in supporting their election to the next Dáil because they are three fine public representatives from the area.