Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the HSE structure was not perfect but patient outcomes have improved under its direction. Developing a modern integrated health service is a difficult journey but at least the last Government bedded down the right policy of putting patient outcomes at the centre of its health policy, irrespective of whether this is accepted by the Deputies opposite.

The Minister is talking about reform for reform's sake and political gain while chaos continues to reign across the health service. Dismissing the HSE board on his appointment was obviously his choice but his biggest failing was not putting a governance structure in its place. A massive drift was allowed to develop not only with budget deficits, but also regarding reforms that the Government promised before and after the election. One of these commitments is the introduction of free GP care for patients with long-term illness, yet we were told by the media a few days ago that there are legal issues as long-term illness is hard to define on an income basis. Why, then, was this initiative announced numerous times before the legal issues were checked? Is this a smoke screen?

It is worth noting for the record that the IMO has yet to be consulted in regard to this initiative. This flip-flopping is causing confusion among those with long-term illnesses. It is making them lose confidence and become very cynical about political promises such as those the Minister has given. Staff in the health service face challenges every day. They are seriously concerned about how directionless the health service has become. As early as last April, the all-party Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children was informed that budgets were overrun, in some cases in the order of up to €10 million. The regional hospital in Limerick had an overrun of €9 million and the hospital in Cork had an overrun of €5 million. The hospital in Galway had an overrun of €7 million and Dublin hospitals had overruns of up to €9 million, yet there were no actions to correct the deficits, even at the time in question. These overruns added to the inability to make the savings promised in last year's budget. Owing to the necessary legislation not having been produced on time and the negotiations on drug costs not having been finalised, there will be cuts to stretched services.

Issues pertaining to the health service should be debated openly in this House. There is no point in having a budget based on false expectations. This only adds to the pressure that the service is under. This House should support our motion.

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