Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister has already stated, the health service is not starved of resources, contrary to what the motion claims. He referred to the record levels of funding allocated to the HSE this year. However, the health service is more than just numbers. The additional resources allocated are delivering improved services and outcomes for the public.

The positive impacts of these increased resources are being visibly felt, most notably referred to in the recently published Health in Ireland: Key Trends 2018. The report showed life expectancy in Ireland has increased on average three months per year over the past decade. Other developments reflecting the increased resources and policy changes to our health services by the Government include Ireland becoming one of the first countries in the European Union to provide access to Orkambi for children with cystic fibrosis aged six to 11 years old, along with Ireland’s membership of the BeNeLuxA initiative on pharmaceutical policy which aims to secure affordable and timely access to new medicines for Irish patients.

There have been reduced waiting times for procedures. Under the 2018 action plan, we saw real progress in driving down waiting lists, especially for high-volume procedures. The number of patients on such lists has fallen by 18% from its peak. We are also witnessing significant falls in waiting times. While Sláintecare is being implemented, we have already taken great strides to make the health service more equitable for all. The provision of free GP care to under sixes and those over 70, as well as the introduction of a diabetes cycle of care for adult GMS patients with type 2 diabetes are just some of the examples of improving access for all and those with acute long-term needs.

In terms of improving facilities for the general public, we are continuing to invest in primary care centres with another 12 such facilities due to open in 2019. This is in addition to the 126 already operational. The impact from these measures already taken by the Government is that improvements are being felt on the ground. The evidence from the recent national patient experience survey found encouragingly that over 80% of respondents reported that they had either a good or very good experience. This is further real evidence that the current service is delivering for the public, far from the simple vision suggested by the Opposition.

Coupled with the transformative agenda contained in Sláintecare, the outlook for our health service is positive. The Labour Court’s recommendations have already created a positive momentum in supporting the planned transformative changes which will serve our health service well into the 21st century. They are imaginative and grounded in the realities of which I already spoke. It is a fair and balanced solution to the dispute which is consistent with the public service stability agreement. The recommendations also present an opportunity to enhance the status and significance of nursing and midwifery through collaboration and dialogue, as well as through the implementation of Sláintecare.

Despite these difficult past few weeks, I want to strike an optimistic note on the outlook for our health services. When one examines the general improving health outcomes experienced by our people and the concrete steps taken by the Government to increase fair and equitable patient coverage, one can see demonstrable progress.

Adding that to the transformation agenda contained in Sláintecare and indeed to the measures recommended by the Labour Court, the outlook for our health service, its employees and our people is positive.

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