Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the Chairman's remarks. The establishment of the Health Service Executive ensured there would be little or no accountability of the HSE, either locally or nationally. The local health committees were very helpful to local communities and the health boards. Health staff were members of both the committees and health boards, which provided valuable democratic accountability to local people. We should support Deputy Ó Caoláin's amendment and avail of every opportunity to ensure accountability is provided. Accepting this amendment would be a start.