Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond to what Senator Mullen has said. Older people and vulnerable people should not be afraid about going into our hospitals. We have an excellent healthcare system in this country. I join with the Minister in thanking all healthcare professionals. When it comes to healthcare, they are the ones to whom we should be listening first.

This is significant legislation. Unlike Senator Mullen, I believe the Minister deserves credit because we have been experiencing a revolution in women's healthcare. These areas have been neglected in the past and the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, has made them his priority and has been delivering on them. This legislation followed extensive debate and consultation. The Minister listened in this Chamber, so I reject the points made by the previous speaker. It is important to always hear a diversity of opinion, as the Minister said. I join with the Minister in congratulating his team on all of the work, specifically on women's healthcare. This is an important commitment we have delivered on.