Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has pointed out exactly what the Government intends to do in putting in place a universal health insurance system to which the needs of the patient will be central. He has echoed my words to the effect that the patient is central and that he or she will be treated on the basis of his or her medical needs as distinct from his or her income. In order to reach that point, certain foundations and building blocks must be put in place. I have already referred to them. They are: the money-follows-the-patient model; the special delivery unit's work to tackle waiting times; primary care services; and hospital groups. The money-follows-the-patient unit has been established; negotiations with GPs are under way and hospital groups have been established in a number of instances. Legislation is being processed to facilitate this. These are important steps on the way to creating a universal health insurance system.

I am glad that the Deputy shares the Government's view. People and patients are central to all of this. The people gave us a mandate to fix the public finances and get the country working. All the big indicators are pointing in the right direction and people understand this. We must make the benefits filter down to every house throughout the country in order that people can understand what has been achieved. In the context of the health system, the patient is central. That is the focal point with regard to universal health insurance. In order to achieve this during the Government's second term, these essential building blocks must be put in place. I know that the Deputy shares my view of that concept.

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