Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Government has set out its plan for the development and introduction of a universal health insurance system which will apply at the end of the Government's term of office. The Minister will publish a White Paper and there will be detailed consultations. The end result will be a better health system for everyone based on the need of the patient as distinct from his or her income.

That is precisely the reason for having competent transition teams to manage the exodus from the public sector in general. I have read out the figures. According to the latest figures, a total of 263 will leave the health service. That means approximately 1,433 left in 2011. What it means is that responsibility will be devolved to local planners in each hospital who will know how it is that they intend to deliver services depending on the numbers that leave in any particular hospital or in any particular sector in each hospital. Clearly, it is not equal across the board and it is not equal either in terms of the category of persons who leave. In that sense I noted the comment this morning from the representative of the INMO, Mr. Doran, on its view of focusing on the objective of giving best patient care and attention at all times. It is true that the end of the month will test the flexibility of the Croke Park agreement. In that sense, everything from redeployment to all of the other issues that apply in this regard, such as rosters and various categories of service provided, must be brought into play. It is clear that given the scale and challenge of providing continuing quality health care, it is necessary to have teams in place to deal with any situation that might arise, be it in health or any of the other sectors.

I cannot comment on the individual who is an amputee, to whom Deputy Finian McGrath referred, and whose home help service has been cut, but suffice it to say that care in the community such as home care packages is central to the delivery of health services by the Minister for Health. Community care, including home help, is critical. I have heard of reductions in home help hours in a number of cases in various parts of the country. A decision was obviously made by a manager in the HSE at whatever level. I would like such people being able to respond accurately and clarify why such decisions were made, but I do not have the details of the particular person to whom Deputy Finian McGrath mentioned.

See this speech in context