Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

That is all very well but we need to deal with this current budget and to find out who is accountable for ensuring the health service is adequately funded. That is an important principle that is established, so that there is not a batting away of public healthcare need in this country.

I want to move on to other aspects of budgeting in the health service. Three main areas need reform, specifically the need for multi-annual funding, the need for a fully integrated financial management system and the need to fund the digital health strategy. The integrated financial management system is a basic part of any organisation that is a fraction of the size of the HSE. It is extraordinary that we do not have a full system in place. The Minister says €40 million has been provided for it this year. What is the total outstanding amount that would be required to have a fully functioning integrated financial management system?