Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I wish to share time with Deputies Connolly, Gormley and Ó Caoláin.

I have read the Travers report, including the various statements and conclusions. Nowhere in it can I find the answer to a very simple question. Why was this issue not addressed by simple legislation when it first came to light? Why was it allowed to roll on for 29 years without a definitive conclusion? The report does not provide the answer to that basic question. It finds that the Department of Health and Children failed over more than 28 years to deal effectively with the flawed legal foundation for charges levied on persons with full eligibility. The evidence provided in the report backs up that finding. Therefore, in accepting that finding it is logical to accept that there is blame to be laid at the desk of officials.

Mr. Travers says he finds no evidence to indicate the Minister was fully briefed. The political parties who are not in Government at this time have sought a political scapegoat. Apparently the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, is the target. However, it must be recognised that this issue has been live since 1976. When the 1976 regulations were drawn up we had a Labour Minister for Health. Since that time we have had three other Labour Ministers for Health. During that 29 year period we have also had two Fine Gael Ministers for Health and seven Fianna Fáil Ministers for Health. If the political blame game is to be played we have not just one political party in contention but three, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour.

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