Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is legislation and I am coming to that. The bottom line, however, is that we are facing a similar situation this year. Health budgets have been produced that have no credibility at all. Last year we were given false figures. We know that now because through a freedom of information request we obtained HSE documents to the Minister at the time expressing alarm about safety.

When will the Finance Bill be published? Will time be made available for the Oireachtas to debate it? The Government is committed to this and has said that budgetary matters will be transparent. Will we have an opportunity to look at all the submissions made by the HSE to the Department of Health concerning its needs. Health is under enormous pressure.

See this speech in context