Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Serious numbers left the health service of their own accord because of the redundancy package. I pay compliment to those who remain, who have changed rosters, moved location and travelled distances, worked longer hours and, with clinical and medical teams and nursing staff, have sat down to determine how to provide the best care for patients in the hospital given that they will not have the endless stream of money that people had assumed would be available. This is a challenging situation and those involved as patients have a right to expect the very best level of treatment. When we get the full implementation of the structure envisaged by the Minister for Health at the end of this period of Government, with universal health insurance, we will be in a position to have a really efficient, competent, professional, caring health service. I do not suggest that those who work in the service have any lack of a caring attitude but the pressure on space is always an issue. The Deputy is always aware of how there can be an increase because of flu or viruses. From time to time, hospital numbers can rise rapidly in a short time and that can put pressure points on the delivery of service.

With regard to the Cabinet sub-committee dealing with each of these entities, we have not met with the special delivery unit and had detailed discussions with it. Deputy Adams probably got more information directly from the special delivery unit and he probably had the right to ask any questions, as I am sure he did when he and other Deputies met with the special delivery unit last week.

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