Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman and Professor Pollock for engaging with our committee. I have just one question. Our system is very fragmented, which reduces the quality of care to our patients, and there is a lack of integration, communication and information technology as well as a lack of resources in primary care and a lack of accountability in decision-making. All these factors lead to a very inefficient service, poorer outcomes, longer waiting lists and trolley queues in our accident and emergency departments. Many decisions in our system are made on an ad hoc basis and without consultation with the main stakeholders. We have proved, I think, that this cannot work given the state of our health service. My question relates to the incremental introduction of a new system. Professor Pollock suggested it is not a good idea. Is she suggesting that on a particular day, the system should change from what we have at the moment to a new system with a legislative framework and background? Further, would huge resources need to be put into primary care before such a transformation would take place?