Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister’s acceptance of the amendment from the Seanad. It suggests there will be a different style at the Department of Health. While I wish the former Ministers, Deputies Reilly and White, every success in their new ministerial roles, their approach, particularly the Minister, Deputy Reilly’s did not instil confidence in the legislation among GPs. The new Minister’s acceptance of this amendment suggests a different style of engagement which is welcome.

It is important that in accepting the amendment, the Minister is respecting the role of Seanad Éireann. This amendment was tabled by a Member there who is a medical practitioner. It shows the Upper House can be effective and change legislation. It is unusual for the Government to accept amendments from either the Opposition or the Upper House, so I welcome the Minister’s statement of intent in this regard. The provision of free GP care for children under six is important. However, when we cannot guarantee basic services to people with serious illnesses, we must be careful in the choices we make.

I wish the new Minister, Deputy Varadkar, every success in the Department. I have no doubt he will bring much energy and effort to it. It is a difficult Department. As the Minister said last week about its previous comparison to Angola, Angola is actually doing pretty well now.

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