Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the delegates for their presentation. I have a few questions about the current structure, such as it is. I am reminded of the saying that if we want to get there, we should not start from here. Of course, we are where we are. Do the delegates believe the Department of Health or the HSE should be the greatest driver of the introduction of universal health care? Do they think the Department and the HSE should work closely together or should they be further apart if they are to achieve the changes necessary? We can all identify the problems. We can see them. I welcome the suggestion that we should focus on the outcome rather than the issue. It is important to follow that point by saying we need to focus on the need to achieve value for money when we are spending taxpayers' money. I would be interested to hear the views of the delegates on the National Treatment Purchase Fund. My personal view is that because it involves spending taxpayers' money in the private sector, it is almost more counter-productive for the public health service than private health insurance providers. It is like changing from driving on the right-hand side of the road to driving on the left-hand side. It cannot be done gradually; it must be done all at once. Do the delegates believe there is a point at which the leaflets will start to drop, or do they see it as a more gradual process? I would specifically like to hear their views on the National Treatment Purchase Fund and achieving value for taxpayers' money.