Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I have probably read the programme for Government more recently that the Taoiseach and I can share with him that, on the very first page, three areas are identified as being of particular importance. These are rolling out infrastructure nationwide, combating climate change and, lo and behold, developing a fully modern patient-centred health service.

Given that the programme for Government also refers to growth of 4.5% and the roll-out of all the promises in the national development plan, does the Taoiseach agree that, in the current economic circumstances, the programme for Government no longer has relevance and requires revisitation, as I have requested recently? Does he agree that it requires more accurate reflection on what is achievable in the current circumstances? There is no point in beating a bold drum here this morning and saying we remain committed to it. Does the Taoiseach accept that the Government will not be in a position to deliver what the programme spelt out at the time of its drafting?

What will the Taoiseach do in respect of particular aspects of the programme for Government, including the statement that one of the primary aims is to optimise the value of any oil and gas finds for Ireland? Does the Taoiseach accept that, against the reality of the dodgy deal regarding the Corrib gas find and the giving away to multinational developers of any potential profit that might accrue from the development of such a find, at the expense of the Irish people, he is not presenting a real prospect, unless the Government decides to make a direct intervention on behalf of the people?

What does the Taoiseach intend to do about the commitment I mentioned in respect of the health services? Given the current trend towards privatisation and centralisation of services, does he not accept that the appropriate response at any time, but certainly in the current circumstances, and perhaps in the Taoiseach's, is to revisit the policy positions being pursued by the Government, including the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, and directed and administered by Professor Brendan Drumm, the CEO of the HSE? Is it not now time to make some gesture towards the promises contained in the programme for Government and to translate some of those promises into real deliverables, even against the backdrop of all the current difficulties? The current difficulties in regard to health might even offer the Taoiseach an opportunity to better deliver a health service in keeping with the people's wishes rather than in the interests of specific sectors within the health services.

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