Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Nobody ever said the system would be transformed in the space of 12 months. We understand it is a major undertaking, affecting people all over the country. I listened this morning to the financial director of Tallaght hospital as she set out very clearly an example of what could actually happen here. This is a hospital which had an extraordinary overrrun in its budget but has managed the situation in such a way as to ensure more people are seen more effectively and a better service is given. While its budget has been cut, it still has made savings. The financial director clarified beyond "Yea" or "Nay" that nobody needed to have any worry that he or she would not receive the best level of hospital attention. Tallaght hospital is one of a number, the hospital in Galway being another, which are leading the way. Every hospital wants to be in the same category.

When it comes to the health service, it is not a case of despair, as presented by Deputy Micheál Martin in this House every day. Tallaght hospital is an example of a facility which has made bold decisions in the interests of the effective running of the hospital, decisions which are of paramount importance in terms of patient treatment. Tallaght hospital was approved, in accordance with the regulations, for an overdraft until the end of the year. The actual overdraft of €4 million was cleared, as was clarified this morning, in January this year. Tallaght hospital achieved significant operational savings in 2012 and reduced its year-on-year spending by 6%, despite having to contend with a 5% increase in inpatient numbers and a 9% reduction in its allocation for this year. It is an example of a hospital transforming itself into what we want it to be. The financial director has pointed out that by 2014 management expects to be where it wants to be and where it knows it can be.

Issues that have been raised and are being dealt with by the Minister for Health include decisions regarding consultants, the reform that is taking place in respect of the drugs bill and a range of others which are under consideration.

Tomorrow I will meet the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and the Croke Park agreement implementation group. The Minister and I expect to discuss with the implementation group other issues that will bring about a reduction in the overall pay bill. I do not accept Deputy Micheál Martin's bleating or the histrionics in which Deputy Sean Fleming engaged at yesterday's meeting of the Committee of Public Accounts, which were a disgrace to any public official. It is about time Deputy Micheál Martin reflected on the reason he did not show some of the anger, curiosity and inquisitiveness he is now showing when he was in charge of the Department.

See this speech in context