Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would not expect many to lament the passing of the HSE board which is long overdue. I do not oppose this development, but section 12 gives the Minister of the day significant and increased powers to amend HSE service plans. In principle, that is not objectionable. However, I am deeply concerned that while the Bill makes the directorate of the HSE more accountable to the Minister, there is nothing, as I said earlier, in this legislation that makes the Minister more accountable to the House and, in turn through us, the people. That is a fundamental flaw.

All along the way with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, earlier, and the Minister there has been solid opposition to engaging with Opposition Members on their carefully worded amendments which have tried to enhance and strengthen the democratic process and the consideration of legislation in these Houses and, particularly, at the Oireachtas health committee. However, it was all to no avail. The Minister did not even consult Opposition Members, but he will consult whomsoever he chooses outside the House. Members on this side have an equal mandate to the Minister’s and share a responsibility to help shape the most efficient and effective health service. However, Opposition Members are only consulted afterwards when all is decided. We are always told last what the Minister has agreed to do, which is wrong. That is not the way it should be. I believe strongly in consultation and that Members who have a long-track record of interest in health services issues have something more to give than just a reaction to what the Minister and his colleagues wish to drive forward. Consultation should be a very important part of a reformed Houses of the Oireachtas.

It causes me considerable disappointment that this has not been facilitated in the amendments we have brought forward, amendments which would not take from or emaciate the Bill. I am not happy that the Minister will have the powers provided by the Bill, but he remains aloof from all the voices the people have sent here. For that reason, I regret that I will not be supporting the passage of the Bill. We have brought forward amendments to improve the Bill’s outworking. We have argued for ministerial accountability to the Oireachtas and the people. We have outlined the need for fundamental reform in how health services are structured and funded. Savage cuts have been imposed by the Minister and his Government colleagues in the past two years. I accept that they inherited an already difficult economic situation, but this legislation makes a bad situation worse. I will be opposing the passage of the Bill.

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