Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

History does not teach the facts stated by the Minister. The Minister's group did not find that these reviews should be reduced in scale or focused. Indeed, the group found the opposite to be the case, namely, the reviews taking place were of areas that were too small and had no significance. The group found no evidence that the reviews made any impact on expenditure decisions. The history of the review process under the Minister's watch has been one of dismal failure.

The Minister's predecessor stated that he could not understand how so much money went into the Department of Health and Children, but nothing was ever achieved or none of the problems was solved. Between 2001 and 2008, €70 billion will be spent in that area without review. How can the Minister convince taxpayers that he is sitting shotgun on health spending and ensuring that value for money is achieved when he has agreed to this programme?

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