Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their opening statements. The most important task in the provision of health services is to restore public confidence in the ability of the service to respond to particular situations. During the Covid crisis the health service did exemplary work. The delivery of services was exceptional and the results bear out that assertion. However, there are still ongoing problems with recruitment methods and delays in making particular appointments. There are delays in filling positions at all levels. A system is needed whereby GP replacements take place smoothly and without impact on the local community. An increasing number of GPs are reaching retirement and there is a difficulty in achieving a seamless transfer to a new GP in many areas, including my local area. Notwithstanding all we have heard, what is being done to ensure appointments take place quickly and sufficient forward planning occurs to ensure no delays occur?

We still have the problem of hospital waiting lists being at an unacceptable level even though we know the issue exists and needs an urgent response. How much of an effect has the Sláintecare plan had on the sensitive areas where long waiting lists occur? The statements are excellent but delivery of the service on the ground is the important thing.

The capital programme works seems to work intermittently. Something is approved by everybody and about to commence and then it fades into insignificance. I know there were situations arising from Covid and so on but we cannot allow Covid to be used as an excuse forever. Has the capital programme been streamlined to be able to respond as we should? Delays in that regard are causing anxiety in people.

My final point is on the chain of command, in other words, how the system works from the regions to the central system.

How is the response? What degree of consultation - in both directions - is taking place? Are the changes brought about by the introduction of Sláintecare having an effect?