Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's final comment is completely false and without any foundation. There are now 600 more consultants in the health service than was the case in 2007 and a bed capacity review is being conducted by the Minister for Health. This is not just about acute hospitals, however. It is also about primary care, new GP contracts, home-care services and packages and so on. It is not all about money either, but €14.6 billion is a very substantial budget with which to attempt to deal with the many challenges in the health care area. Of course problems of a cyclical nature of one sort or another will arise, whether weather-related, epidemics or whatever. The Minister for Health has taken responsibility for the Vote. It is a very challenging position but that €14.6 billion is a very substantial allocation to allow us to proceed with the review that is being carried out in terms of output and the development of the delivery of effective services for all patients.

I reiterate that the vacancy at the Mater hospital is one that is split between itself and Crumlin. The money is in position for a consultant cardiologist. It is a worldwide position and if anybody out there is interested in applying to the Mater, let he or she do so. There is a vacancy there and money to pay the person who fills it.

See this speech in context