David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, was at that meeting, which Senator McFadden co-chaired and which was organised by Senator Kevin Humphreys, on Parkinson's disease. The reason I am interested in Parkinson's disease is because of a great friend in County Waterford who was a good looking man of 6 ft 2 in and a terrific athlete but who 12 years ago, when he was in his early 40s, got Parkinson's disease. He died just about six weeks ago. In the end he had a catastrophic decline. Like many people with Parkinson's disease, he became quite isolated and he rejected social interconnection. I had to go down to Waterford and chivvy him along and take him to a fish restaurant and make him laugh.

One of the things that impressed me at the presentation this morning was a man called Garry who had early onset Parkinson's and what was so striking about him, and I think Senator McFadden will agree with me on this, was that he spoke about the excellence of the service delivered by the HSE. I have had experience as a cancer patient of the HSE. I cannot speaking highly enough of it. So often we hear nothing but unending criticisms of the health service in this country. Like Garry I, too, found the service was excellent. The difficulty is getting into the system. Once one is in the system, it is outstanding. It must be terribly disheartening for people in the health service to hear unending negative comment, carping, criticism and so on. Much of the time the public is responsible themselves. There is a note in St. Vincent's hospital, detailing the thousands of appointment that were missed. People did not bother turning up. How can a service operate efficiently if people do not turn up for their appointments?

I thank the health service personnel. They are absolutely excellent and professional in the delivery of the services, once one gets into the system. It is important that we give praise where it is due.