Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Our motion reads as follows:

That Dáil Éireann:

— noting that the Health Estimate in budget 2012 was misleading given the fact that it was based on assumptions and targets that were not deliverable by the Minister for Health;

— highlighting that enabling legislation for measures announced in the 2012 health Estimate have not been published seven months after being announced and therefore will impact greatly on the sector's ability to meet its budget targets;

— agreeing that, 14 months after abolishing the Health Service Executive (HSE) board, the Minister has failed to take any legislative or other action in relation to governance in the HSE and that this has exacerbated the deficit;

— acknowledging that the income streams or expected savings from:

— the cost of public beds being charged to insurance companies;

— drug pricing; and

— reducing agency costs;

will not now be achieved;

resolves that the resulting €500 million overspend in the health budget will not have an impact on front line services and patient care; and

rejects any moves to close wards, theatres or hospitals as a result of the failure to properly plan the health budget.

Health is a significant challenge in the country. It is capital and labour intensive by its nature. Significant promises were made leading into the last general election and subsequent to it, and many of those promises have not been delivered. It is necessary to tell the people of this country honestly and in an upfront manner exactly where they stand. The abolished HSE board has not been replaced and it is not clear what will replace it. The Minister has had a short period to address these issues. At the earliest opportunity, he should address the various points made tonight.

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