Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Minister, Deputy Harris, that this no confidence motion is every bit as much about his predecessors, the current Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, and Senator James Reilly, as it is about him. It is first and foremost about Fine Gael's ideology towards healthcare delivery and citizens' entitlement to it.

The HSE, as it stands, is not fit for purpose. Fine Gael said this in 2011 in its five point plan. It said it would eliminate long waiting lists and end the unfair public-private two-tier system to replace it with universal health insurance system. Eight years later these words ring very hollow for all those who have suffered, are suffering and will continue to suffer in this shambolic health system. It is too late for those who have passed on, specifically Emma Mhic Mhathúna and other brave women.

Recent and current issues I am working on, which have proved to me why I should have no confidence in the Minister and in the Government, include: the cervical cancer scandal; the urgent need of approval of Spinraza; the in loco parentisclause; the unprecedented waiting lists for children for the assessment of needs; the impending closures of services for the Irish Deaf Society; the failure to ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and proposed cuts to staffing levels in all the major disability umbrella organisations. It is not only the major issues. I also add the commitments the Minister, Deputy Harris, made to me personally and reneged on, including his agreement to meet with representatives of Debra Ireland who advocate for children who suffer from epidermolysis bullosa, EB.

That five point plan also stated that hospital funding would be radically overhauled so the money would follow the patient. Something radical has certainly taken place. There has been a radical increase in the cost of the national children's hospital from the figure the Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, said would be €650 million, to the current €1.5 billion with an inevitable further increase.

I have no confidence in the Minister, Deputy Harris, to deliver for people or for patients and I have no confidence in his Government.

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