Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

My sentiments exactly. The HSE cut the service to the limit, leaving many in my constituency and others without a service. I approached the HSE about this matter a considerable time ago and the officials said they were sticking to their statement that they could only provide a limited service. I pointed out that I am always amazed that the HSE can make cutbacks but the amount saved is only a drop in the ocean compared to its total budget. I asked them to consider, as an alternative way of approaching this issue, giving the money to the existing providers so that money is not wasted on bureaucracy. In other words, another bureaucracy should not be set up. We have an existing structure and, therefore, no money should be expended on bureaucracy. I asked them to consider providing a lump sum in return for services and allow the providers to tender out the services as part of their own. The officials said they would consider it but they have not returned with proposals. I am pursuing the issue and the Deputy can rest assured that I will try to progress this in the way we have discussed.

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