Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also wish Mr. Tony O'Brien, director general of the HSE, well. He took over in 2012 at a very difficult time for the health service and did make a difference. I saw the difference he had made in Roscommon University Hospital and the setting up of the Saolta University Health Care Group in very difficult circumstances. The HSE and the health service will always be difficult areas to sort out effectively.

Today marks the centenary of the death of John Redmond, the leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party which was a moderate nationalist party. He fought for home rule which was granted in 1914 but suspended on the outbreak of the First World War. He urged Irish men to fight in the Great War for the freedom of small nations and ensure the implementation of home rule. He had huge political skills and was a diplomat, a democrat and a moderate, unlike some other politicians. I refer to the Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg whose comments at the weekend were scandalous. He should withdraw them. He said our strategy had resulted from the controversy before Christmas involving the former Tánaiste, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and the irresponsible vote chasing immaturity of the Taoiseach. It was very undiplomatic language to use.The Conservative MP should withdraw those comments in the light of what is happening with Brexit. John Redmond was an MP who was mature and reflective but also made a difference. I think that he was certainly missed 100 years ago and that we should remember this man who has a complex history. There were many outstanding parts to that history until events happened. We could have had a devolved government on the island of Ireland.