James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I am trying to explain to the Deputy that the hospital can make increased use of existing beds, day case surgeries and theatres. The productive theatre initiative in Cork and elsewhere has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of work that theatres can manage. It saved €2.5 million in one year across five theatres. That is only 2.5% of the total number of theatres.

I have criticised the HSE in the past for its inability to transpose excellence across the system. Initiatives which were successful in one area were not being mirrored elsewhere. The special delivery unit and the clinical programmes are ensuring successful initiatives are implemented across the system. This takes time but we will no longer have islands of excellence, such as the ophthalmology service in Waterford, which are not transposed elsewhere.

We are operating under financial constraints in the context of a considerable budgetary reduction of €750 million. However, I have made sure that we do not have a linear reduction in services alongside budgets. A 7% cut does not lead to a 7% reduction in service. The maximum service cut in any hospital should be 3% and in most cases it will be considerably less than that. I am very confident that with the clinical programmes, the special delivery unit and co-operating with the excellent people on the front line, this will be achievable.

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