Although we are over time, as he indicated earlier, I will allow Senator Heffernan to speak.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach. It is interesting to hear some of the tributes paid to the former Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, this morning. It is as though the former Minister of State were dead. Deputy Shortall is not going anywhere but will remain a strong, valued and principled member of the Labour Party. I remember Deputy Shortall in opposition, when she opposed strongly the closure of the Combat Poverty Agency.

Members should not be wasting time in this way.

She even hit out at elitism in this House, as she hit out at elitism in society. Deputy Shortall believes in the provision of primary care centres in areas of deprivation and for such centres to be provided in places where they are most needed. This often was not the way business was done in the past with previous Governments, when matters were decided on the basis that so doing would garner a few votes the next time around and so on.

A stroke.

Strokes.

Balbriggan and Swords.

Exactly.

Does Senator Leyden not want the centre for Roscommon?

Senator Heffernan to continue, without interruption.

That is what has disappointed and the apparent pulling of such a stroke may have been the straw that broke the camel's back. I for one agree with the stance taken by Deputy Shortall. She believes in a health service that treats the patient on the basis of his or her health needs and not on the depths of his or her pockets.

The Senator is aware people are only praised when they die or have resigned. One receives no praise when one is alive.

I agree with such a basis. Moreover, I agree with previous speakers, namely, Senators Landy, Whelan and Kelly, as well as with my group leader, Senator Bacik, that the Minister could be invited to this House to participate in a debate and to try to explain to Members the reason it is taking so long to implement what was agreed by both parties in the programme for Government.