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

We acknowledge it is tough to measure but the good news is that even after this chat, we could get the figure down to €69 million. We could make a very good value-for-money argument for the Minister and have our proposal implemented very quickly.

It is important when discussing this that we factor in the potential savings. We all know there will be benefits from this. What we need to do is ensure we consider positively what we can do and the best way to do so. We should consider not only the cost to the State but also what we do could in the long run to save the State a few bob.

Is there scope for an increased role for practice nurses or other healthcare professionals? I am being very helpful to the Government here because I am talking about a more inexpensive way to deliver care. What I propose would see an expansion, but not just in the number of practice nurses because other healthcare professionals might also have a role. They could expand their role and they would have a good part to play.