Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Patricia King and Liam Doran for their statements and for appearing before the committee today to share their thoughts and views. It is very important that we hear those thoughts and views and listen to what they say because of the positions they hold and the influence they have.

I see they call for a dramatic overhaul of the health system, which is laudable in itself.

I am playing devil's advocate in that I am asking particular questions so that we can tease out issues for the benefit of the committee. Reference was made to a 10% of GDP spend on health care, restructuring fatigue and the need for a timeline of greater than ten years in terms of implementation of a plan. Is the proposed 10% spend workable given the already high tax burden borne by many families over the last number of years? In regard to the timeline and given changes in technology and medical science, would a further increase in the timeline be required at a future stage? In regard to the proposed centralised health system, my understanding is that there is no room within that for private health care providers, non-for-profit providers and community-based health initiatives. There must be some way we can learn from the experiences they have had or to in some way include them in the system. In other words, there must be some leverage to use their skills and services. It would be detrimental to leave them completely out of the picture.

I note the comments regarding senior citizens and I agree that the State should be the main provider of care for them. This is going to be a problem area into the future. The issue of people living for longer and the increasing number of frail and elderly people living in our communities is one that this committee will have to address. I agree also with the witnesses' comments regarding mental health. It is important the committee would also take note of them.