Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important motion, which was tabled by the Independent members of the Technical Group. Much of the debate so far has been pessimistic and has highlighted the many needs that exist in the context of the provision of health care. There have, however, been some welcome developments. I refer to Galway as an example in this regard. Long overdue but nonetheless very welcome developments have taken place there and these will prove to be extremely beneficial for Galway and the west. For a long period, a vigorous campaign was waged to have a BreastCheck service established in the west. I welcome the fact that the construction of the BreastCheck building is under way. Again, this development is long overdue. I outline the situation in Galway not as a defender of Government policy but merely as a statement of fact.

I urge the Minister to extend BreastCheck to cover women over the age of 65. This motion puts forward the importance of education in preventing cancers. The Minister referred to the support the Government is providing in respect of education provision in this area. However, I cannot agree that the level of education is adequate or that information is delivered in a fashion that is sufficiently aggressive. For example, diet is important and a balanced diet can prevent many illnesses. However, the message in this regard is not being put across in an aggressive manner. We were promised a national diet and fitness programme specifically aimed at children. Again, however, this matter is not being treated as urgent.

The motion refers to the public private debate that is under way at present. The motion is very specific in this regard but, from a personal point of view, I have no ideological hang-up, per se, regarding public and private health care. My judgment is based on what is best for patients. Ideology will not save people's lives. However, good standards, professionalism and good health management will do so. We would be better served by focusing on this area.

There is a clear onus on the Minister to launch an examination of management and the efficiency thereof within the health service. Management throughout the services has a great responsibility for the weaknesses within the system. I put it to the Minister that an assessment should be carried out by an independent group to identify where the weaknesses in the management structure lie. It would not be beyond her capabilities to put such an examination in place. While I agree that situations differ, I am aware that, for example, a unit delivering a particular service in the east of the country will have its practices and procedures replicated in a similar unit in the west. Why is it not possible to develop a best practice method of delivery for all services irrespective of where they are delivered? It is, of course, possible to do so but it is not being done. Accordingly, no one can be held to account for the failures in the system, many of which have extremely serious consequences.

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