Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have committed to abolishing the HSE.

We have begun the process of reform but we have always said that reform will take time. It has not been abandoned, as Deputy Kelleher knows, and the Future Health strategy framework is the blueprint for that. Let us look at what the Government has done in its time in office in terms of the clinical programmes and in terms of capital. Today, we were at the National Children's Hospital, which is going to be built and which is a commendable sign of this Government's commitment.

It is important that we have a constitutional convention-type approach in health. I believe we might look at having 100 people from all the different parts of the health system come together, devoid of their personal and professional interest, to have a detailed national conversation around our health system and how we can deliver it in a way that has the patient at the centre, at the coal face, and where vested interest is left outside.

The Minister of State alluded in her speech to the recruitment of front-line staff. The Fianna Fáil motion had a simple proposal that it would only recruit occupational and physical therapists. As Deputy Kelleher knows, while that is laudable, it fails to take account of the needs across the health system. I have always said in the House that the moratorium in health is not a one-size-fits-all approach and there are certain specialties which require a different approach - for example, the Minister of State has driven and achieved much in the area of mental health.

Following this speech, I will give the Minister of State a letter dealing with the issue of recruitment. I would like to bring to her attention the need for a child and adolescent psychiatrist with CAMHS serving the areas of Ballyphehane, Togher and Ballincollig in the city and county of Cork. That post has been advertised but it has not been possible to fill it, which is part of our difficulty. I commend the Government amendment.

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