I support the call for the Minister of Health to come to the House in response to the Higgins report. However, I have an open mind on this because I believe there must be a reconfiguration of hospitals in the State for the 21st century. We have now built a motorway system that can move people and traffic around the country very quickly. The people who perhaps are worst placed to take a cold objective view are those who are involved with hospitals. I disagree with Senator Landy. I believe Waterford Regional Hospital is broken. It is the worst regional hospital in the State by a country mile, an opinion I do not offer lightly.

I do not make that statement lightly because it is based on knowledge and experience.

The Senator should back it up with facts.

It is welcome that somebody who is not involved in the matter will take a cold and objective view of the suitability of the hospital to provide services that may be substandard.