Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

In the Department of Health and Children on the same day, the Travers report has revealed, if we are to believe what the Taoiseach's spin doctors are saying to journalists, the taxpayer has been exposed to the tune of between €500 million and €2 billion for a shambles that, according to the Taoiseach, has gone on since 1976. How did the strategic management initiative focus on better performance in the Department of Health and Children? That information was elicited in this House by an Opposition Deputy. Is it not the case that the present Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, was sent off to investigate this issue as a result of questions from Deputies Perry and Kenny on this side of the House? Where was the strategic management initiative in Hawkins House when all that was happening? It beggars belief that the taxpayer is stuck with these bills and that the Taoiseach says the strategic management initiative is working.

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