Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The report shows that consumer prices here have improved relative to Europe. That refers not solely to health insurance, but to the whole range of the package that workers have to pay. We are making improvements. The report recognises that we can make further changes in certain areas. As the Deputy knows, the Minister for Health has published a health reform document. There will be a widespread debate on how we can better configure our health services to get better efficiency and delivery. I think that is what the Minister is about. All the local authorities have taken out costs. They are passing on some of that in reduced rates. That is clear across the country. I do not have the data here. Virtually all of them have reduced their rate burdens. I recognise that we need to look at these different areas, identify areas that are within our control and make any possible changes that would improve efficiency. That is what the Cabinet committee will work on over the coming year.

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