James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his courtesy and latitude. I congratulate Senator Norris on being the longest serving Senator. He has seen considerable social change and fought for most of it himself. I am sure it is a matter of great pleasure for him to look back and see the changes wrought, including the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the introduction of marriage equality as well as many other changes of a much more general nature.

I also add my voice to those who congratulated the new Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Coveney, as well as Deputy Josepha Madigan on her rise to Cabinet. I wish them both well.

I will be very quick but I will echo what Senator Burke mentioned. There is absolutely no doubt that we have a serious problem attracting general practitioners into our service.A story on the front page of today's edition of the Irish Independent reports that it could now be up to a week before a person can see his or her GP. The issue needs to be urgently and aggressively addressed.