Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I come back to the Estimates, the topic for today. The briefing document states that funding has been provided for CervicalCheck and the introduction of HPV testing as a primary screening test. Perhaps the Minister will elaborate on that and how close are we to moving towards HPV testing, which will revolutionise the screening programme and reduce the burden on cytology which is the reason there is such a large backlog.

There is a new subhead within the Estimates relating to Sláintecare. Some €206 million has been allocated to Sláintecare, much of which is money that was announced and relates to mental health, the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the GP contract, etc. There is no reference in the Estimates to a transitional fund, which was a recommendation of Sláintecare. There is an integration fund but no reference to transitional funding which is so important to getting Sláintecare off the ground. The Minister might comment on that.

There is an allocation of €24 million in the Department of Health's capital spending to comprise part of the €99 million that will be required this year to fund the national children's hospital. What re-profiling will take place within the Department of Health and its capital plan? The national service plan, in its commentary, states the HSE will have difficulty maintaining existing services this year and will have very little money, perhaps €198 million, for new developments in the health service. The plan highlights that there may be difficulties in meeting its budget target this year. The Minister might comment on that.

The development of the individual health identifier and electronic health record are catalysts for change and implementing Sláintecare. According to the briefing document, an additional €25 million has been allocated to ICT for this year, bringing its allocation up to €85 million. When does the Minister think the individual health identifier and electronic health record will be rolled out?