Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The responsibility for the health service lies with the Government, not with the HSE. I have here the document from the Health Service Executive which states clearly there is a requirement on the HSE to effect a 1,000 whole-time equivalent reduction by the end of 2007. On 22 May 2007 the Minister for Health and Children, who obviously cannot be here because of her family bereavement, agreed with an interviewer that current services would be delivered by 1,000 fewer employees. She agreed that statement was correct. The Taoiseach stated on the following day, 23 May 2007, this was the first he had heard about this cutback. He continued to state the document referred to by the HSE had or has no status and was irrelevant. When it suits the Government, it states it is a function for the HSE to determine certain matters.

The Taoiseach is aware also that the finance section of the HSE comprises more than 1,000 staff. A study of that function found at least 380 of those jobs were superfluous. There has been an orgy of promotions within the administrative ranks of the HSE. At a time when the Taoiseach will not be present in the House again until 26 September, I am concerned front-line staff in critical areas of the delivery of public health services will be cut. This document states, consequent on a decision by the Government, led by the Taoiseach, 1,000 jobs must be cut by the end of 2007. The Minister for Health and Children agreed with that. The Taoiseach stated the document had no status and that it was the first he heard of cuts. Who is telling the truth or does it matter any more in this House?

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