Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister used the expression "typically equal to or higher than planned or delivered" services in 2017. That does not give us much confidence in view of the fact that there is considerable pent-up demand. We have vast waiting lists. Large numbers of people are consistently on trolleys in our emergency departments day in, day out. There has been an extraordinary increase in the number of outpatients on waiting lists. Throughout the general health services there is an inability to deliver what is required of the services in terms of the changes in demographics, the changing nature of health and the provision of health care.

The Minister refers to funding being typically equal to or higher than what was planned or delivered in 2017. Last year, 2017, was not exactly a great year in terms of delivery. We are keen to see major improvements. In the budget we have provided for €346 million in savings to be identified to fund the delivery services. Many people, including me, maintain that is simply not possible.

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