Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is to be welcomed. We could we have a long debate on the level of health expenditure. I acknowledge that we spend a lot on a per capita basis. Our method of funding and the system itself is irrational and needs to be completely transformed, but that is a debate for another day. I also agree with the Minister on the question of efficiencies and that it is not simply a matter of throwing money at a problem. None the less, every year we find ourselves in a situation whereby health services are crippled. I cite the dilemmas facing accident and emergency departments in particular because these are writ large across the State. The Minister will be aware that people are left sitting on chairs, never mind lying on trolleys, and he will be aware of the loss of dignity and everything else that entails. While I grant that arguments can be made on efficiency and the method of service provision, there is also a big black financial hole. Although I will always commend the Minister on channelling additional resources to public services, the reason we introduced a Supplementary Estimate for health was not so much because additional resources became available but because the system was so strained that the additional money had to be provided.

I would love to think the review presents an accurate picture of what is required but I do not believe it does. This raises questions about the credibility of the document and, indeed, the process of engagement between the Minister, Deputy Howlin, and line Ministers.

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