James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Much of the Deputy's comments were revisionist. The Government has been tackling the crisis in a structured and systematic way. The programme for Government sets out an effective way of addressing the challenges of excessive trolley times and waiting times for patients in day treatment. Last year, the clinical programmes saved 70,000 bed days, amounting to €63 million. Money is not the issue, but it allows us to treat more patients more quickly. This is all about the patient. If something does not improve the patient's journey or outcome, it is of no value to the Government.

The fair deal supports 23,000 clients, representing a significant advance in the care of older people. Since last September, 6,000 staff have left the health service, €1.57 billion has been cut from the budget in the past two years, a further €750 million will be cut this year and 3,500 people have been redeployed, yet there has been a 6% increase in emergency department admissions, a 7.1% increase in inpatient discharges and 1.8 million people are in receipt of medical cards, the highest number in the State's history. In a short period, we have made significant progress in comparison with the abject failure of successive Fianna Fáil-led Governments. Deputy Martin's legacy in health comprises 128 reports and 132 consultancies at a cost of €13.8 million. Of course, this was the era of Noel Dempsey and the idea of what is €50 million among friends.

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