Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I know the frustration Deputies often feel, which I often share, when they hear about something being under consideration but it is not always a cover for inactivity. In fact, it is something we are considering very carefully because the approach our health services take, particularly to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, will shape how we configure our health services more generally in the future because we simply will not be able to manage 21st-century illnesses like diabetes under the structures we have had to date.

It is more complex than the issue of what we do in our hospitals although I acknowledge that, as the Deputy said, well-equipped and properly configured hospitals are critical. However, they are not the full story. We must emphasise the importance of primary care, care in the community and very often self care, particularly in respect of chronic illnesses. The Government and I have been doing so. Based on his contribution, I know the Deputy would agree with that. I understand what he says about Sligo General Hospital and I hope to be there next week and also at Letterkenny General Hospital.

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