Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear that. I borrow an analogy that is used about speed limits in this country. They are supposed to be guidance as to where one should stop and not a target to aim for, because if one aims for the target, one will overshoot. Without that mindset change irrespective of how big the health budget becomes, the existing management structure will end up overrunning by 5% because it is almost inherent in how things have been done to date. I hope that change in thinking permeates right down to the delivery of the service.

I am conscious of the time and I need to draw proceedings to a conclusion. I thank Mr. Desmond for the time he has given the committee and for the answers he gave to all the members. It has been a very informative exchange.