Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach. As I stated, the fundamental question is one of reform.

There is a languid response to health reform from the Government as well as a lack of ambition and courage. There is also an amazing lack of curiosity concerning why we have an above average spend and a below average outcome in our health service. It is this lack of interest and ambition that concerns me.

Engaging in wrong policies with greater intensity will not bring about better patient care. The failure to have implemented any change eight months after the publication of Sláintecare means that it is too late to avert next winter's trolley crisis. When the HSE says that meeting its targets is challenging, it means virtually impossible. It is Holy Mary-type planning, where someone who knows that no miracle will appear is still hoping for one.

How could the Taoiseach go to Davos and say that our economic recovery is complete when there is a legacy of dysfunctionality in our health service, a housing crisis and pension and pay inequality and we at home know that our recovery is not complete and there are significant deficiencies in our public services? Where is the political will to reform our health service?

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