Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I take his points relating to accountability. He has accepted the point that we are investing money in services and I appreciate his acknowledgement of that, as many people in the Opposition do not even bother to say it. The question is about accountability and delivering services on the ground. I will bring the message to the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, and the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly.

As part of the changes we are advocating in the Department - I include my section dealing with disability services - we are trying to invest in services, as the Deputy acknowledges. We are also seeking to reform the services. The Deputy made the key point about having accountability and delivering on the ground. It is a valid argument and a debate we regularly have around the Cabinet table. It is something I will bring to the Minister.

The Clane case is a very serious matter, as is the case of the person with brain injury who is sleeping rough. I acknowledge that these are real cases, involving real human beings. We must ensure the money we fought very hard for is put in on the ground. I take the Deputy's point that these are not isolated cases. We speak with colleagues regularly and hear about cases. The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, will meet the Deputy and his door is always open. People must be accountable within the HSE. I will raise the Deputy's request for the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, to visit Celbridge with him.

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