Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We should not give too much credence to the Taoiseach's remarks last May that people were happy with the health services. It is eminently possible that, given the number of people with whom the Taoiseach engages, a number may have expressed such a view but I do not know what they are talking about. Deputy Kenny might reflect for a moment on the comment by the Minister for Health and Children, who apparently spoke to somebody on a trolley in an accident and emergency unit who described the experience as comfortable and happy. Can the Taoiseach give any credibility to that claim?

Is there a cut-off point for the strategic management initiative in its present form? It was supposed to improve services to the public from Departments and it is arguable that it has performed the task to some degree. However, it has also produced a lorry load of long-winded reports. In his response today the Taoiseach talked about examining effectiveness and efficiency but how effective and efficient is the whole exercise? Should improved services to the public, including greater access to and understanding of the role and function of Departments, not be part of the ongoing review Departments are undertaking into matters within their own ambit? Can the Taoiseach give us a sense of where the strategic management initiative stands at this point in time? How long does he see it continuing in its current form? Can he also indicate what improvements he would like to see in its work?

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