Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The reform programme is not being pursued with sufficient urgency. When the Government came into being, it indicated that reform could not be discussed until after the Sláintecare report was delivered. It took six months longer than anticipated to deliver the report, for which the Committee on the Future of Healthcare must take responsibility. The report was published 17 months ago but we are still talking about devising a plan. I am concerned that there is a lack of urgency. We are locked into that system which perpetuates the waiting lists and trolley queues raised by Deputy Donnelly for the next three years. The Minister stated that trolley numbers reduced in September but the trend is upwards year on year. That is a symptom of what is happening in the wider health services. Trolley queues should not be the focus but they are a symptom of what is happening. I am concerned that there is a lack of urgency because demographic change is continuing as our population is aging and requires more healthcare. The older population require the most healthcare. Demographic change will not wait.

On the point made by Senator Swanick regarding the GP negotiations, almost no GP negotiations took place this year. There were two or three meetings, which is nothing. As we approach the budget, there is a sudden surge of activity, similar to that before last year’s budget after which nothing happened. I am concerned that the budget cycle stimulates movement which then peters out for another year. I ask the Minister to address the urgency with which he will approach the Sláintecare programme.