Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to be able to make a contribution to the debate in the presence of the Minister. The HSE will benefit from an additional €305 million in Exchequer funding over the amount allocated last year, which is a very good beginning. It has identified a minimum savings target of €130 million in procurement, drugs and agency costs. I am anxious that these savings, in particular in the provision of drugs, will filter down to the pharmacy counter in order that those who benefit from the drug payments scheme and have private prescriptions see realistic savings in their monthly prescription costs.

In its manifesto prior to the 2011 general election Fine Gael set out a number of key areas of reform within the health care setting. The provision of increased access to GP care without payment for those over 70 and under six years of age is a key measurable element on the pathway towards universal health care. In addition, the manifesto provided for the extension of and additional investment in mental health and suicide prevention teams.

Those who know me well will know that I spent six years as a very proud director of Pieta House. It continues to do wonderful work, which I commend. I also commend the commitment and expertise of those who seek to increase awareness and provide an insight into the supports necessary to save lives.

We in this House were left without a valuable friend, former Minister of State, Shane McEntee, at his death in the prime of his life. He is never forgotten. Suicide is the scourge of Ireland and every life saved has far-reaching benefits for individuals, families and communities.

The extension of the BreastCheck programme to women up to the age of 69 will allow for earlier diagnosis and screening among the target group and is a critical expansion recently committed to by the Government. CervicalCheck is a new indicator which targets the provision of 271,000 tests in 2015 and BowelScreen targets over 200,000 people in the age range of 60 to 69. Diabetic retinal screening will provide 78,300 tests for the target group of diabetics, those over the age of 12.

The manifesto also provided for increased access to primary care settings. Many of the tests mentioned will be provided in such centres through the increased allocation of €14 million to increase the range of services that can be provided in order to keep people out of hospitals and provide treatment in their communities. I have already seen the benefit to my constituency in Palmerstown and I am glad to note the advances made towards progressing a primary care centre in Lucan. I have had discussions with the HSE and interested parties in an effort to bring a primary care centre to Lucan and I am delighted this process is at an advanced stage, as Lucan is the fastest growing satellite town in the country.

We must not forget the changing age of our population or the need to provide for our citizens as they age. The provision in the plan for older persons, as part of one of the five integrated care programmes, is welcome. This will improve integration of services, access and outcomes for patients generally.

I have a particular interest in the provision of palliative care services and to this end, I have also been engaged with Peamount hospital in my constituency. I acknowledge the willingness and openness of the CEO, the chairperson and director of nursing at Peamount with whom I have engaged over the past number of years to examine what measures they can provide through existing facilities to provide end of life care. Peamount is an independent hospital and it has already developed expertise in end of life care, particularly in regard to people with COPD. Palliative care is something we can bring to that. Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross provides outreach services, but there is a shortage of palliative care beds in the Lucan catchment area. West Dublin is identified particularly in the HSE plan as needing measures to address this deficiency in 2015. I welcome the positive engagement with the relevant stakeholders who can meet this deficit.

I commend the counter motion and urge the HSE to continue its mission to provide targeted appropriate actions that are measurable, accountable and sustainable for the people.

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