James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already made it clear people will not lose their services. Those who need them will have them. The consultants' pay issue has been addressed, as we discussed earlier. I also believe the talks with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association, IPHA, which represents the pharmaceutical industry, are approaching a conclusion and I expect the results to be beneficial to the health service and to patients. It is important to remember, when we discuss this matter, that this is an industry that employs 25,000 people directly and another 100,000 indirectly, as well as being responsible for exports worth many billions of euro. One company alone contributes €880 million to the Exchequer.

I am glad Mr. Martin Naughton, Mr. Joe Mooney and Ms Leigh Gath have agreed to advise Mr. Tony O'Brien of the HSE on the future of this service from the clients' perspective. That is an element that has been lacking in the past, and we need more involvement. The issue of Mr. Walsh and his wheelchair was discussed earlier with Deputy Joan Collins. The idea from the old days that the doctor knows best is gone, and the idea that the service provider knows best must also go. We must take into account the needs of the individuals we are supposed to be serving. That will not be achievable if we do not listen to them.

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