Public Meeting on Fair Care in Clondalkin - Enda Kenny & James Reilly to attend

Local Fine Gael Senator announces public meeting on Fine Gael Health Plans with Enda Kenny and James Reilly in the Green Isle Hotel on 11th May at 8pm

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has extended an invitation to all residents of Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart to a regional public meeting on the Fine Gael plans to radically reform health care. The meeting will be addressed by Senator Fitzgerald, Party Leader Enda Kenny and Health Spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD and will take place in the Green Isle Hotel on Tuesday 11th May at 8pm.

Speaking about this event, Senator Fitzgerald said, "I am delighted to extend an invitation to all my constituents to attend this meeting which will set out Fine Gael's vision for the future of our health service. We are committed to ending the two-tier health system, providing universal health care and ensuring free GP care. We have laid out how this can be done based on studying best practice throughout Europe and I am pleased that we will now have an opportunity to discuss these plans and hear the views and questions of people in my constituency."

"As a member of the Fine Gael Health Team I am committed to addressing the many issues and concerns regarding our health service which people in Clondalkin, Lucan and throughout Dublin Mid-West have raised with me. I am looking forward to the meeting and hope to see many people there," concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

Senator Fitzgerald, in Neilstown, Calls on Council Not to Proceed with Plans for Liscarne Homeless Hostel

Local Community of Liscarne being let down by Council’s failure to engage - Fitzgerald

Senator Frances Fitzgerald, speaking at a Garda Siochana Community Meeting in Neilstown, publically called on South Dublin County Council not to add to the pressures of the community by proceeding with proposals to establish homeless accommodation at 2 and 4 Liscarne Gardens.

The meeting, in Neilstown Community Centre, heard local residents tell of fears for their safety and security and recount incidents of anti social behaviour and drug dealing in the area. Frances Fitzgerald, who was the only Oireachtas Member present, acknowledged the work of the Gardai in tackling this behaviour but went on to publically criticise the Council for its proposals to develop homeless accommodation in the area.

Senator Frances Fitzgerald told the meeting, “We have heard tonight, first hand, of the kind of pressures this community is already under. This must be taken into account by the Council while considering proposals for a homeless hostel in Liscarne. Homeless housing is seen as an extra pressure for a community which is under too much pressure as it is.”

Rio Hogarty of the Liscarne Action Group 24 told of her dismay at the Council’s failure to acknowledge registered letters, sent by members of the action group and the local community expressing their concerns at proposals.

Senator Frances Fitzgerald has been calling for more consultation with the Liscarne community who she says are “being let down by the Council”.

“From the moment I first heard about this proposal I have called for consultation with the local community. I welcome the Council’s commitment to community consultation on this proposals. This community is already under pressure, surely it’s the Council’s job to try and alleviate these pressures rather than add to them?”, said Frances Fitzgerald today.

Co-ordinated approach needed to protect & enhance Liffey Valley Park lands - Fitzgerald

Senator continues campaign for the protection of the Liffey Valley and calls on Minister to bring together all the appropriate Councils and agencies to ensure maximum community benefit from this exceptional amenity

Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has called on the Minister for the Environment to come into the Senate and discuss ways of protecting and enhancing the Liffey Valley lands.

Senator Fitzgerald tabled her requested after attending the very succesful AGM of the Liffey Valley Park Alliance.

Speaking on this issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, "I have always stressed the importance of protecting the Liffey Valley Park lands. This exceptional environmental and recreational amenity is of huge benefit to our communities. We now need leadership to co-ordinate these park lands, ensure their protection and promote their use and benefit to the community."

"I have tabled a debate in the Senate where I want the Minister for the Environment to outline what action his Department is taking to support this natural resource and also to ask him to consider assigning the co-ordination of these lands to a specific Department such as the Office of Public Works. This body could then bring together all the appropriate Councils and agencies to support and enhance the Liffey Valley," continued Senator Fitzgerald.

"The Liffey Valley lands impact on four Councils - South Dublin, Dublin City, Fingal and Kildare - a co-ordinated approach is therefore essential. I look forward to pursuing this issue and seeking the recognition and support the Liffey Valley lands merit," concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald urges Clondalkin residents to make their views known on SIAC development

Click here to see SIAC planning application

SIAC Planning Application


Senator opposes large scale planning application - organises public meeting to provide information and hear the views of the community

Fine Gael Clondalkin Senator Frances Fitzgerald has expressed her serious and multiple concerns to a planning application by SIAC on Monastery Road, Clondalkin. The development proposes building 380 residential units ranging in height from 2 storeys to 8 storeys along with retail units, offices, etc.

Speaking about the application, Senator Fitzgerald said, “This planning application is the last thing Clondalkin needs. Right now we need to be supporting existing business and the village not building excessive numbers of high rise units.”

“Many people in the locality have expressed to me their serious concerns about the impact of this development on the character and heritage of Clondalkin. Residents have also pointed out that now with so many vacant shop units in the village, more retail units are not needed,” stated Senator Fitzgerald.

“Local residents have also expressed serious concerns about the traffic implications of this proposed development on the village of Clondalkin,” continued Senator Fitzgerald.

“I am happy to have convened a public meeting this week to give the residents of Clondalklin an opportunity to view the planning application and make their views known,” concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

12 dead horses left in field in Clondalkin since January– Fitzgerald

Animal welfare issues and concerns regarding public health and safety must be addressed urgently

Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has expressed concern about animal welfare and public safety issues locally as 12 dead horses have been left in a field in Clondalkin since January.

43 unchipped horses continue to run wild in this field whilst the 12 dead horses continue to be left there.

Speaking about the issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, “Clearly this is a worrying situation. Animal welfare issues are at stake here along with serious concerns about public health and safety. Dead horses lying so close to the water supply for such a long period of time is completely unacceptable. Action needs to be taken to address this situation.”

“The Department of Agriculture should issue a directive to the Council instructing it how to act on this issue as a matter of urgency. The area in question is partially owned by the Council and, therefore, they have an extra obligation to undertake measures to ensure public health and safety and the welfare of these animals,” continued Senator Fitzgerald.

“I will continue to pursue this matter until it is satisfactorily addressed,” concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

No excuse for Government inaction on closing down Head Shops in Clondalkin and throughout Dublin - Fitzgerald & Delaney

Fine Gael Senator for Clondalkin, Senator Frances Fitzgerald and local Fine Gael Councillor Tony Delaney have issued a joint call for immediate Government action on closing down Head Shops which have appeared in communities throughout the country including in Clondalkin.


Senator Fitzgerald, a Fine Gael Spokesperson on Health had previously raised this issue in the Senate and had highlighted the concerns and fears of many parents in Clondalkin and throughout Dublin Mid-West at the operation of these Head Shops.

Speaking about the issue, Senator Fitzgerald said, "I am very concerned about the existence of a Head Shop in our community and I am extremely frustrated at Government inaction on shutting down these so called shops. Everybody appreciates that legislation in this area is complex, however, there are a number of steps that the Government could take almost immediately to make it significantly more difficult for these shops to exist and to give bodies the power to shut them down on health and safety grounds, planning grounds, etc."

"Fine Gael put forward a number of steps which the Government could take in the short and immediate term including:

The Department of Health issuing regulations that all products sold in these shops must be approved by the Food Safety Authority.

The Department of the Environment introducing planning regulations to allow County Council's restrict the opening hours of these shops, where they can be located, etc.

Actions could be taken now to assist the situation but months have now passed since these Head Shops started causing significant and understandable worry for our communities - yet we have had no concrete action from the Government," continued Senator Fitzgerald.

Councillor Tony Delaney stated, "On a daily basis I am meeting people who are angered, frustrated and worried about the existence of a Head Shop in Clondalkin. Parents are eager to protect their children but it seems that the Government is not addressing this issue with the sense of urgency it requires. I, along with Senator Fitzgerald, am calling on Fianna Fail and the Green Party to take immediate action to help local communities address this problem."

No room for complacency in tackling drug problems

Funding for Clondalkin Drugs Task Froce cut by 16.5% and Government abolishes specific Minister of State for Drugs

Clondalkin Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has criticised what she describes as "Government complacency" on tackling issues surrounding drugs in her constituency and throughout Dublin.

Senator Fitzgerald made her comments after attending a meeting of the Clondalkin Drugs Task Force which revealed that the organisation's funding had been cut by 16.5% and some local support services have now been lost.

"The Clondalkin Drugs Task Force does excellent work in the community. I am extremely concerned about the complacency Government is showing in tackling issues regarding drugs. If you couple the reduction in funding for Task Forces along with the abolition of the position of a specific Minister with responsibility for drugs strategy, a worrying message is sent out about the commitment of the Government to this issue," stated Senator Fitzgerald.

"There is absolutely no room for complacency in the fight against drugs. In fact, research has shown that at times of economic difficulty and heightened social problems people often turn to drug activity - now more than ever Government needs to reaffirm its commitment to the work of organisations such as the Clondalkin Drugs Task Force," concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

Noise Pollution from Outer Ring Road

I am aware that many residents in Griffeen are coping with noise pollution from the Outer Ring Road. I have requested that the Council conduct a noise level review of traffic on the road but as there are no traffic noise regulations in force in Ireland it is going to be difficult to force the Council to act on this. If you would like to join my campaign on this click here and sign my online petition or call my office on 457 7712 to register your name with us.

Clonburris Development Appeal

I have lodged a joint appeal with an Bord Pleanala in conjunction with Cllr William Lavelle against the Council’s decision to grant permission for 898 high-density units at Griffeen Avenue.

The permission was granted in line with the Clonburris Local Area Plan. Call Emer in my office if you would like to request a copy of the appeal in full to be sent to you in the post - 457 7712.

From day one I have been opposed to this outrageous over-development of the area and will continue to work with my colleagues on the Council to campaign against high rise developments like this in our area.

3 Tonne Limit on Kennelsfort Road

The local Superintendents have given a commitment to carry out an enforcement blitz on the Kennelsfort Road for the purpose of assessing the situation in relation to the 3 tonne limit. HGVs are not permitted to use Kennelsfort Road as a through road but they are permitted to use the road as access to industrial premises along this route. This makes policing of the limit quite difficult. CCTV cameras are not able to differentiate between the two instances. More policing and better enforcement of the limit is the only answer.

Antisocial problems of Glenaulin Park must be tackled– change happens together

As a member of the Joint Policing Committee I am well aware of the antisocial problems certain areas in Palmerstown are facing, particularly the recurring problems in Glenaulin Park. I have requested the Council put together a proposal on how best to tackle these problems as it’s simply unfair to have families afraid in their own homes and in our park.

At a recent public meeting organised by the Palmerstown Community Council a number of ideas were floated in relation to how best deal with the anti-social behaviour in Glenaulin Park. These included the possibility of permanently closing off the park entrance at the eastern end of the rear laneway behind Culmore road which would mean closing the pedestrian link to Californian Hills, closing some of its ten entrances at night time only, increasing the height of the boundary walls to the park, improving the Park Ranger service in the area and installing additional CCTV cameras to monitor and discourage anti social behaviour. Please let me know your views on the best way to tackle the situation – 457 7712.

Until the situation is resolved we need to continue to report these problems as if they are not logged then it’s very hard to monitor them. The number for the local Ronanstown Garda Station is 666 7700 and the Ballyfermot Garda Station is 666 4400. Gardai are also encouraging estates to establish community watch programmes and be vigilant as burglaries are on the rise. If you would like information on how to go about setting one up a neighbourhood watch organisation contact me on 457 7712.

Clondalkin Social Welfare Service Interrupted by Industrial Action - Fitzgerald

Last Thursday the public counters at Clondalkin Social Welfare Office closed for the afternoon due to industrial action, that’s according to the local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“It is deeply regrettable that the situation has come to this and that front line services are being interrupted due to public service unrest at what was fundamentally an unfair budget,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald of the indecent.

“Many families throughout Clondalkin, Lucan and Newcastle have found themselves reliant on social welfare payments due to the current economic climate. It is very distressing to think that these people’s payments may be affected by this Fianna Fail/Green government’s inability to resolve the disputes which have led to such widespread industrial action,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.

“Many families are already struggling to get by, the last thing they need is undue stress and delays in their social welfare payments, especially those who are finding it difficult to meet bills or mortgage payments,” said Frances Fitzgerald.

“I do hope that the government and the unions can come to some arrangement for the sake of the wider public,” concluded Frances Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Welcomes Affordable Fitness in Clondalkin

Local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the introduction of a new fitness initiative that aims to provide affordable facilities and services to those unemployed locally.



“The South Dublin County Sports Initiative is offering special discount deals for local sports and fitness facilities to those affected by the recession,” explained Senator Fitzgerald.



“The programme called Link 2 B Active offers special deals in local gyms, astro parks and arenas as well in Corkagh Park Fishery,” said Senator Fitzgerald on her recent visit to Corkagh Park where the newly opened pet farm is proving a real hit.



“I’m a mum of three boys and sport plays a huge role in their lives so I am delighted that the Council are making sports and fitness more affordable to people who have lost their jobs. Sport is healthy not just in terms of fitness but also offers great mental stimulation. Surging levels of youth unemployment has had a huge affect here locally in both Clondalkin and Lucan and I think that offering initiatives like this are a positive step,” continued Frances Fitzgerald.



“Unfortunately, the current Fianna Fail/Green government has not yet produced any real jobs plan. That is what the country really needs. Richard Bruton was out in Lucan recently explaining the Fine Gael jobs plan New Era and I am glad that locals got the opportunity to hear that there is a real alternative way of dealing with the current crisis,” concluded Senator Frances Fitzgerald.



If you are interested in availing of this service call 414 9000 for more information or log on to www.sdcps.ie.

Fitzgerald welcomes appointment of new speech therapist for Clondalkin

Fine Gael Senate Leader and local representative Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the appointment of a new speech therapist for the Clondalkin area. The news comes in response to her campaigning on behalf of parents with children in need of speech therapy throughout Clondlalkin and Lucan.

“I am delighted that a new position has been created for a speech therapist in our area and look forward to that position being filled later this month, and not before time. I am hoping that this means that children will not have to wait as long for assessment and treatment,” said local Fine Gael Senator Frances Fitzgerald.



Senator Fitzgerald recently revealed that children in the Lucan and Clondalkin areas are waiting up to 4 and a half years for speech and language therapy.



The current average waiting period for assessment is 17-22 months while the waiting time for treatment is 24–32 months.



“Additional resources should help take the pressure off the system and benefit children in need of assessment and treatment. I do a lot of work on behalf of parents whose children are in need of speech therapy and I was appalled to learn that in this country, in the twenty first century, children in Lucan and Clondalkin potentially wait up to four and half years for therapy. I am delighted that the HSE are finally giving the local community another therapist,” said Senator Frances Fitzgerald.



“If a child is in need of speech therapy then they need to get it as early as possible to mitigate developmental problems. Early detection and early treatment is crucial for developing children. It is unbelievable to think that a child of three or four in need of speech and language therapy might not get it until they are eight years of age,” said Senator Frances Fitzgaerald.



Figures relating to Lucan, Rathcoole, Clondalkin and Palmerstown show that the numbers seeking speech and language therapy have more than doubled since 2006. Up until now only one extra member of staff has been allocated to the area since then and waiting periods for treatment have increased from eight months to almost three years.



"It is disgraceful that the increase in demand for speech therapy and the startling waiting periods are coupled with a decrease in the number of classroom assistants and special needs assistants. I hope that the provision of an additional therapist for Clondalkin marks the beginning of additional resources being invested into this important area,” concluded Senator Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald Condemns FF/Green Decision on Clondalkin Schools

The government has just announced plans to abolish the teacher substitution system that serves schools throughout Clondalkin. Local Fine Gael Senator for the area Frances Fitzgerald has condemned the move and called on the Minister for Education to reverse the decision.



“The teacher substitution system is a programme that ensures that classes are covered when a teacher is absent. Clondalkin has a panel of six teachers who cover classes for twelve schools throughout Clondalkin. The government has announced plans to abolish this supply teacher panel in an effort to save money,” explained local Senator Frances Fitzgerald.



“The programme was introduced in disadvantaged schools in urban areas to ensure that children’s education needs and safety are to the fore. I fail to see how the government can now simply take away this service, without warning, to try and save such a small amount of money. It seems unfair to me and will create further stress for principals and teachers and lead to more pressure in the classroom,” Frances Fitzgerald told us.



“Yes we need to cut costs and yes we need to make savings but children’s welfare, education and safety should never be compromised by a government. The government is the very body that is supposed to be looking out for the welfare of its children not undermining it,” Frances Fitzgerald continued.



“The money saved on this measure is going to be miniscule and I imagine that the Department and its teachers will be spending more time, money and resources finding and allocating substitute teachers when these panels are no longer available to them. It’s a false economy and it’s a measure that will affect teachers and children hugely. I do hope the Minister for Education comes to his senses and reverses this decision before it starts to affect children in classrooms throughout Clondalkin,” concluded Frances Fitzgerald.

Rathcoole families to benefit from state of the art GAA Centre and parking for Rathcoole Park

Great news for Rathcoole’s sports enthusiasts and parents alike, the Council have announced that the new GAA Centre will open its gates next year. The development is good news for users of Rathcoole Park who will now be provided with a nearby carpark. As you know I have been fighting for a playground for Rathcoole Park for some time now and the only stumbling block was the lack of parking facilities. Now, not only will sports fans, players, parents and children be provided with state of the art GAA playing and training facilities but local families will at last be given their playground.


It is hoped that 27 acres GAA venue will be open next year and it will offer Rathcoole teams three full-size grass pitches, a full-size all weather pitch with floodlighting and changing facilities as well as carpark which will also facilitate visitors to Rathcoole Park. An access road off Stoney Lane will provide the gateway to the new €13mil GAA centre. I will be keeping the Council under pressure to deliver a playground for the families of Rathcoole, Red Gap, Saggart, Brittas and its surrounding areas.

Saggart Entrance to Rathcoole/Saggart Park

The Millrace/Swiftbrook development is to be the new pedestrian gateway to Rathcoole Park. The entrance is due to be opened later this year and will provide locals with pedestrian access to the park. The developers are currently in charge of the estate and the entrance cannot be developed until the Council take charge. Snag lists and safety issues need to be addressed by the developer before the Council can legally take charge of the area.

The pedestrian bridge is in place and just needs to be galvanised. I will be keeping pressure on the Council to take charge as soon as feasibly possible and for the development of the entrance to be made priority. I would love to see the entrance open before summer if at all possible. Rathcoole/Saggart Park is a fantastic facility and the more people who have easy access to the park the better!

Pay and display parking in Saggart and Newcastle?

As many of you will be aware South Dublin County Council are considering implementing pay and display parking throughout Saggart and Newcastle.

When the plans were first announced I held a public meetings in both Saggart and Newcastleto hear the views of local residents and traders. The feedback I received both at the meeting and through the many phone calls to my office was that there is no urgent need for disk parking in Saggart and that a public carpark should be provided for the village of Newcastle before the Council consider asking people to pay for the limited spaces available.


I do understand that once the LUAS is up and running parking may become an issue in the village but feel that disk parking is not necessary just yet. I have submitted my objection to the Roads Department of South Dublin County Council for the immediate introduction of disk parking in Saggart village.

Minister for Education must introduce Legal Highs awareness campaign in our schools – Fitzgerald

The new Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, must show leadership and immediately introduce a campaign in every secondary school to inform young people about the serious health implications of legal highs, and advise them to make the right decision and not experiment with these potentially harmful substances, according to Fine Gael’s local Senator Frances Fitzgerald.

“With the growth in popularity of ‘head shops’, which are legally selling products such as mephedrone, ‘spice’ and ‘snow’, the Minister for Education has a duty to highlight, through education, the fact that the vast majority of these substances are not safe for consumption, especially if they are mixed with other drugs and alcohol. The shocking stories about young people experiencing mental health problems, including psychosis, delusions and paranoia, and a number of recent deaths linked to the consumption of legal highs across the UK show just how serious the problem is and it will only get worse if the Government fails to act," said Frances Fitzgerald

“Media sensationalism only serves to make young people more inquisitive about legal highs therefore we must target young people directly and inform them of the cold, hard facts. All schools should be sent an up-to-date educational promotion pack to be used in SPHE (Social, Personal & Health Education) classes, aimed at making young people aware of the serious health risks associated with ‘legal’ or ‘herbal highs’. A simple ‘legal highs factsheet’, similar to that produced by the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland could be produced very quickly, and could save lives," continued Frances Fitzgerald

“I welcome the forthcoming ban on mephedrone and a number of other products being sold in head shops but I believe it will not eliminate the demand for drugs. It will simply mean that suppliers will be cleverer and will find other ways to sell their wares. Just recently, a new Irish website has been set up, selling mephedrone via a free home delivery service.  In China, new drugs compounds are being produced as fast as products are being banned. This problem is not going to go away but we can try to prevent the disease of addiction and further deaths by ensuring that our children know the risks associated with all drugs, both legal and illegal," concluded Frances Fitzgerald.

My Speech on the Health Service at last weekends Fine Gael Conference

Speech by Senator Frances Fitzgerald, Fine Gael Seanad Leader & Spokesperson on Health
During the session, ‘FairCare: Fixing the Irish Health Service’

Chairman, colleagues, fellow members of Fine Gael and fellow users of the Irish health service, week after week, it gets worse, if you’re a patient in the Irish health system.

You had x-rays carried out but you don’t know if yours was properly examined.

Your GP referred you to a hospital but heard nothing back from that very same hospital.

Or, if you’re a teenager in need of psychiatric assistance, you might end up in an internet Cafe overnight.

Friends, after 13 years of continuous Fianna Fail Government – three different Ministers for Health, Mary Harney, Micheál Martin and the current Taoiseach Brian Cowen – what have we got?

• We’ve got a health service that doesn’t serve.
• That costs the earth.
• That frustrates those who work in it, some of the more highly qualified medical professionals in the world, people making life saving interventions everyday, giving their all in a broken system.
• And that often betrays those who depend on it.

And all of that’s been going on for so long, it’s hard for people to imagine a health system that actually works.

Fianna Fail in Government has viewed running our health service as an inconvenience rather than an honour.

When the current Taoiseach was the Minister for Health he couldn’t wait to get out of the job. Angola, he called it.

And then he, and his Cabinet farmed out responsibility for heath to a faceless bureaucracy. Faceless and dysfunctional, that bureaucracy, from the word “go.”

Let’s make this the year we say goodbye to a Fianna Fail Government running the Department of Health - the year in which we get a new team into the Department of Health. Not just a different face from a stale Government but a new team of people part of an energised and reforming Fine Gael Government.

A Government led by a Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, who is committed to making our health system fair, equitable and accountable to Government, to the Dail and to the public.

The commitment of Fine Gael and Enda Kenny to health reform is not confined to mere rhetoric, sound bites or slogans. We have put together a plan based on working and costed-international models. A proven plan based on universal access and a health system that prioritises medical need - not bank balance.

Our FairCare health plan will restore faith and trust in the Irish health service. No patches. No sticking plasters. Major, radical, workable change:

• The mother woken by a sick child in the early hours of the morning will know she can get a GP free of charge.
• The public patient who needs an operation will know they won’t be put on a back burner while a wealthier individual is favoured.

The full reform process will take time but we can deliver some quick and tangible results. Within a year of a Fine Gael government taking office, evidence will show that change and reform are happening.

For too long, the buck has been passed when it comes to accountability in our health service. This lack of accountability has failed people like Rebecca O’Malley who was let down by the Irish health system. Rebecca’s misdiagnosis epitomises the failure of our health service to put patients before systems – a failure that goes beyond any one patient.

On Minister’s Harney’s watch the so-called health system wrongly gave nine women the all clear in Portlaoise Hospital. 3,000 women’s cases subsequently had to be reviewed. In the North-East, 6,000 chest X-rays had to be reviewed after the health system failed to detect cancer in nine patients, one of whom died. Now in Tallaght Hospital, 23,169 X-rays are being reviewed after yet another failure.

It is clear the system is failing and the Government’s obsession with systems rather than patients is not healthy – in a very literal sense.

But we did not come here to Killarney tonight to bemoan the problems in the Irish health service – they’re clear for all to see.

We came here to deliver a message of hope – a message that a proven alternative way is possible, is viable, is workable. That policy is the one we have outlined in our FairCare document, sending the clear message to patients that change and equity in our health service is on the way – a message to staff in our hospitals and our wider health system that support and resources for your work and your efforts will be delivered – and a message to the electorate – to the people of Ireland – that Fine Gael is not a party of opposition but rather a Government in waiting.

Thank you very much.