Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister has already ordered a review of the fair deal programme where people are looking at this from a very sensitive point of view. The HSE clearly believes there are still inefficiencies in the area that need to be looked at. This year, €35 million has been ring-fenced for the whole area of mental health, which had become sidelined for so many years. A further €15 million is allocated for general practitioner cards for those who have a long-term illness. It is not all doom and gloom. I admit this will be a very challenging year for the health services, in particular for hospitals that are carrying over a deficit or overrun from last year, given the budget for this year. We can pretend things are all right but they are not. We have to change the structures and provide a health system we believe is in the best interests of our people, young and old alike. That is the objective of this exercise. It will not be without challenge but it is necessary in order to have a proper health service for all our people.

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