Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Ó Fearghail, the Cabinet Committee on Health considers political oversight of many of the programmes being implemented. The long-term view is to have a single universal health care system but I have to admit the method by which the Government was to do this is no longer accepted as valid because it was too costly, as identified by the report of the Economic and Social Research Institute. The Government will not proceed with that particular model. As I have said in response to previous questions on primary care, community care, the fair deal scheme and the provision of local facilities, we have followed through on those in a very big way, overseeing the introduction of general practitioner cards for children under the age of six and adults over the age of 70 and moving on to the children under 12 years of age of working families. We have also focused on a healthy Ireland with initiatives in the preventive medicine area, activity levels, opportunity for so many people to have healthier lifestyles, be it in respect of food, drink or whatever. The Deputy must have noticed the publication of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 last week in respect of advertising alcohol given the damage that can cause. Changes will be made such that it will not appear around schools or children.

We need more investment in the community primary care facilities. That is another reason to ensure a continuation of the strong recovery taking place. Most importantly, we need to invest in infrastructure, the recruitment of nurses and doctors and non-consultant hospital doctors. I gave the Deputy figures on that today. We also need to invest in the facilities. Last week Deputy Martin asked about the accident and emergency unit in Galway. The Minister for Health gave him a detailed reply. It is part of a major expansion of the hospital facilities in Galway and the various pieces of equipment there. While it is not as one would wish, it is part of a major reorganisation of the facilities at that hospital. We need a strong economy to be able to drive continued investment in such areas.

What questions did Deputy Adams ask? His second question was something about being anti-democratic.

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