James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the committee for going to the PCRS and I encourage it to do so again to further streamline the process in respect of these more difficult cases so that eventually we will reduce those who find it difficult to the smallest possible number. I think we can do that. In regard to the comment that Deputies need to be able to speak to the decision maker, that seems perfectly reasonable on one level but on another level, if the decision maker is always on the telephone to Deputies he or she will not be making decisions. We have to find a balance to ensure that the citizens who are most vulnerable get the care and support they need.

The health service is improving in many ways but we all know that we have significant difficulties in certain areas. Deputy Conway outlined some of the difficulties that arise in the south east and many other parts of the country. We have pockets of real problems, whether in respect of community and social scheme, the medical card scheme or hospitals, but these problems are being addressed in a much more transparent way. This is valuable because the more people who have input, the greater the satisfaction we will get at the end of the day.

I cannot let this opportunity pass without commending the men and women in our health service who do such a sterling job day in, day out to keep our people safe and help them recover from serious illnesses.