Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I hope it is not on the record because I am in possession myself.

With regard to oil and gas, we have, pursuant to an Indecon study, changed and updated our oil and gas licensing arrangements in a way that will encourage exploration at the same time as seeking a return for the Irish taxpayer in respect of any resources found. These arrangements have been very much welcomed and are in line with international trends. We could have very prohibitive terms if we wished but no one would come near us to drill a bore hole in the ground. Some people's ideology is such that they believe that is a great idea, but I believe in trying to explore whatever resources we have while, at the same time, obtaining a return on investment and ensuring Irish workers can obtain employment from those resources. I hope the Deputy will change his position soon on what is happening in Mayo and allow the people there to proceed with the exploitation of a very important national resource and asset that needs to be brought onshore quickly.

With regard to the question on the health services, Deputy Ó Caoláin has a particular view of our health service with which I do not agree. We have seen many improvements in our health services despite continuing problems. With regard to cancer care in particular, we have noted that the setting up of centres of excellence is in the patients' interest. Often what is portrayed as a local interest can be in fact a vested interest. It may be a case of professionals who have built up services in various parts of the country seeking to retain them, regardless of whether there is a sufficient critical mass of activity in the units in question. There is no doubt that, in a modern health service, the need to plan strategically and provide centres of sufficient activity is critical in clinical terms and in terms of health economics. In terms of operating in the interest of patients and of having sustainable services, these are the important policy considerations.

In a range of areas, we have witnessed increased throughput, increased numbers attending hospitals, and an increase in primary care and community care provision. I am glad to say that, in respect of the administration and organisation of health services, there is recognition of the need for more local autonomy in decision making so we can have a more customised, customer-responsive service, particularly in respect of community care. I refer to the establishment of a national hospitals office, the need to consider acute hospital care on a national basis and the effort to reconfigure the delivery of services in the interest of patients and in the interest of ensuring we do not have a recurrence of some of the terrible problems articulated in this House in the past because services were not organised properly.

These are challenges that must be dealt with by any Government in the interest of patients, in spite of well organised interests to the contrary, which interests are no doubt sincere. I noted in my area the ability of people in the system to seek to influence events and this can be just as significant a factor in service delivery as what is objectively in the best interest of patients themselves.

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