Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his kind wishes and important question. This is a preview of what I imagine will be a more substantive debate on the Sláintecare report in the House tomorrow.

Supporting the establishment of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare in June 2016 was one of the first actions I took on becoming Minister for Health. I commend genuinely the great work done by all members of the committee, including Deputies Michael Harty, Billy Kelleher, Róisín Shortall and Pat Buckley, as well as a number of others who worked extraordinarily hard on the committee. Everyone involved across the political divide worked extraordinarily hard. The committee's establishment was agreed to across the House, demonstrating a shared understanding of the scale of the challenges facing the health service, as well as recognition of the need for a fundamental reshaping of our vision and long-term strategy for health care. It should be based on cross-party consensus that does not change every time the Minister, the Government or electoral cycle changes. I have consistently supported this process which I firmly believe can provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the health service.

The committee has lived up to its mandate and is to be commended for the significant achievement of developing a future vision, based on political consensus, for the health service. The report is the culmination of a year-long process of unprecedented cross-party collaboration, dialogue and engagement. It is testament to the desire across the political spectrum and the broader stakeholder community to work collaboratively to address the challenges in the health service.

I have been clear in my view since the committee commenced its work that, out of respect for its work, I would not advance major structural reforms until it had reported. It is vital that we now allow time to reflect and deliberate on the findings of the committee. I do not envisage it being a substantial period. I look forward to the Dáil debate on the report tomorrow. I will give full consideration to the recommendations made in the report when I have had the opportunity to hear views from across the Dáil.

The Taoiseach was very clear in his speech to the Chamber last week when he said delivering real improvements in the health service was a key priority for the Government. He has tasked me with preparing a detailed response to the report, including proposed measures and timelines, to bring to the Government. It is my intention to do so following the Dáil debate. I hope to bring a detailed analysis and proposals to the Government quickly.

I have no doubt that the report will be an essential document for all Governments and parties in the fundamental reform of the health service in the next decade. I look forward to talking with colleagues in more detail in the coming days about implementation and about how we can show the public that we intend to make quick progress in the areas where it is possible to do so, as well as how we intend to advance in the more challenging areas.

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