Even though I should not do so, I will respond to Senator Terry Leyden's assertion that I should be ashamed of myself with regard to Roscommon University Hospital. I do not like to attack parties, but I have to say the Senator is absolutely right when he says Fianna Fáil spent over €7 million putting in an emergency department.

I am sure the Senator could convey that information to him privately.

It was a little like the film "Blazing Saddles" - they put in a facade but nothing inside.

Rubbish. Absolute lies.

I am so happy I ensured dozens of lives were saved with the air ambulance. The endoscopy unit at the hospital was opened two weeks ago. Over 300 people are employed full time at the hospital. Senators do not need to take my word for it; they can call down to Roscommon and talk to the consultants and the management personnel who will say the hospital is much safer, that people are much safer and that dozens of lives have been saved. I ask anybody who would challenge this to come down.