Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not take five minutes, as I am conscious that there are others present who are more involved in dealing with this matter.

I acknowledge Deputy Mary Butler's presence. I also acknowledge the enormous amount of work Senators Paudie Coffey and Grace O'Sullivan have done on this issue. I congratulate the Minister on his reappointment. Despite all of the speculation, it is great to see him back. The most important message coming out of this debate is that he is going to base all of his decisions on medical evidence. They have to be evidence-based and must stand up and be capable of being assessed on medical need and demand. That is important because it is so easy to keep wavering in politics and take the easy route. The proposal makes absolute sense and the Minister is correct.

I acknowledge the considerable work done by various Senators, including Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor. It is clear that there is a great demand in the south east for a 24-hour cardiac care service which needs to be provided at some stage.

I thank the Minister for attending and giving of his time. I shall cede the rest of my time to the Senators from Waterford who have done tremendous work in campaigning on this issue.