Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour)

I concur with other speakers on the need for a broad review of medical services in Ireland. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, and her colleagues and wish them well in bringing about at least some of the changes outlined in this review.

The health service is more often than not the subject of criticism by the media and others. In defence of the vast majority of hard working public servants in the health sector, they should be complimented for the work they do in often difficult circumstances. Those who work in the health service will seldom receive a compliment from our newspapers but this Parliament should praise rather than criticise them.

As regards reform, other speakers have referred to the umpteen reports that have been produced on health in Ireland. We are good at producing reports but we are not as good at reform. There are individuals in the health sector who are as conservative as some politicians and who do not want change but politicians also have to take some blame for the lack of reform. Every politician who spoke about this review expressed support for reform provided it is not in his or her constituency. That has also been the experience historically and there has been very little reform of the Irish health system for that reason.

I remind those who speak about funding hospitals that a former Taoiseach told us in 1986 that we were the richest country in the world. Of course, we went out and celebrated that night, or all two of us. It is nonsense to argue that money is the solution to the problems in the health service. As a Labour Party Deputy, it is difficult to defend a former Progressive Democrats Minister for Health and Children but, for all that was said about Mary Harney, she certainly put money into the health system. It did not work, however, as this review proves. We cannot blame her for that because people stood in the way of reform.

I am fortunate to represent a constituency which has Tallaght hospital, the busiest hospital in the country, on its doorstep. Tallaght hospital has a dedicated staff but it received the lowest level of funding during the heyday of the Celtic tiger. We could be here all night debating that issue but I am only stating a fact. Further towards Brittas, a very good and long-standing service is provided at St. Brigid's nursing home in Crooksling. However, even though the nursing home recently received a glowing report from HIQA, the HSE is proceeding with a review of its future. I am in favour of keeping the facility in place and I hope the Minister of State takes note of my views.

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