Mr. Robert Watt:

I thank the Deputy for the question. I agree with the objective absolutely, that is, to build a public health system which addresses the two-tier issue and provides the type of healthcare that people want. I absolutely agree with the Deputy and fully support that. Overall, I have set out, as Mr. Reid and our team have previously, our commitment to this. The Deputy and his colleagues will have to judge that on the basis of our delivery. I am happy to be accountable for our delivery and to focus on the things in the report and the discussions we have had, which are the meat of what we are trying to do in the Department of Health and the HSE.

I would argue that there is very significant change, reform and delivery already. Mr. Reid alluded to some of the stuff in regard to community care and the radical changes taking place in terms of what is called "the shift to the left" in the community. There is much more to be done around recruitment and systems, and the RHAs will help in that regard. Overall, however, I am fully supportive of this and I would not have taken on this job or sought it if I was not committed to the reform. Making the health system better for everybody in terms of waiting lists and access to care is what motivates me and my team. I know it is the same for Mr. Reid and his team. That is what motivates us. I am fully committed to this and look forward to driving the change.

Deputy Cullinane mentioned earlier the enthusiasm and excitement for the changes. We are in the same space. My colleagues here are devoting their careers to health and to making this happen. I absolutely and fully support it.