Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Were any other models examined?

I regard this move as the further privatisation of the service.

On the cost-benefit analysis, Mr. Healy and I had conversations previously on the home help service. Without putting too fine a point on it, I was correct and much of it was privatised. At the time, I was told it would not be and it would enhance the service. Of course, it did not. Was there a cost-benefit analysis in terms of the investment in the public service building up from the 221 clinics, increasing staffing, delivering more through the public service versus purchasing from the private sector? For example, we saw it happen with the home help service. Directly employed home helps would provide the service for approximately €13 to €16 an hour. Once one headed towards the private sector, one was knocking on the door of €45 an hour, as well as losing control of the service and deskilling the public service.

It is not good that this would be lost. What sort of cost-benefit analysis was done? I appreciate that other jurisdictions may be travelling in another direction. As my mother used to say, however, if all one’s friends stuck their fingers in the fire, would one do it as well? It does not necessarily make it right.