Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the pathways. I am not trying to catch Dr. Holohan out. If anything, I am trying to flag things. I know the patient safety pathways that exist but, let us be honest about it, this takes it to another level given previous decisions to not go in this direction. Some of the work is being done. The health budget is under serious stress and we all know this. We have to get real. If we want to implement this, which we do and which we have to, we must acknowledge it will come and there will be a significant cost. I presume the Minister will be fighting budgetary-wise and stating we have to do this and it is a requirement. We will introduce this legislation. The cost needs to be identified and isolated. Otherwise, the Minister will be left hanging with regard to trying to absorb it in other areas.