Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the Bill, which will allow the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, and his team of Deputies Shortall and Lynch, to continue their work in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Health. This is something the public want and that we all know is needed.

I welcome the legislation. The purpose of the Bill is to accommodate the transfer of responsibility for the procurement of clotting products used in the treatment of various clotting disorders. Responsibility for this procurement will now lie with a national centre based in St. James's Hospital, having previously been dealt with by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS. The transfer of the service will be streamlined and the current system of procurement will reduce costs and provide a far better service. We must welcome these savings and improvements in the service. That is what being in Government is all about. We were elected to implement such changes. Today's Bill is another example of our commitment to that change. Change is so important. Change to how we do our business, particularly in the health area, is what people are crying out for.

The new medical card procurement system is another example of change. It has caused much stress for many people in recent months. I see improvements. I raised this matter some weeks ago and the Minister responded. There have been steady improvements. However, we still have a few steps to go in this regard. I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, to continue with these improvements. They are what the public want. So many people are unemployed and in need of medical cards. There should be a simple way for people to access their medical cards. I hope the method of doing so will improve.

The projected cost of these medical products to the Health Vote will be reduced by 19% between 2009 and 2013. That is a huge saving and I welcome it. I urge the Government to continue on this road and to make savings wherever they can be found. The pot is not as big as it was. We need to make savings wherever we can to provide a better service. We must give the public a better service, whether in bigger or smaller hospitals.

I am pleased the Government is concentrating its efforts on improving all hospitals. The hospital service plan announced some weeks ago left us in a strong position, and I acknowledge that. I believe the plan will be very effective in most cases. I commend the work of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service over the years. Its employees work late at night and travel the country to obtain blood. I encourage the giving of blood even though some people are a little anxious about the process of giving blood. A blood bank is needed in emergency situations and I encourage young people in the full of their health to donate blood to ensure a satisfactory supply of blood is always available.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will continue to be a priceless asset to the State in other fields of health care. I hope it continues its great work over the coming years and it has the continued support of this Government. Most Deputies who have spoken in this debate welcome the Bill and it is good to see Bills which are supported on all sides of the House. This Government is doing its best to provide a better health service and this House should support the Government in this regard. I commend the good people in the HSE and in the Department of Health and those public servants working on the front line. We should all work together to provide a better service which is not a burden on the taxpayer.

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