Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Several speakers mentioned that in discussing risk equalisation, we are dealing with another failure in regard to healthcare provision. The entire Covid period has shown up the many weaknesses in our systems, including the healthcare system. At least the conversation has moved on. In fact, it had already moved on prior to the election. When we talk about Sláintecare, we are talking about the need for a national health service. We would like to think that any such system would be designed on an all-Ireland basis.

We need to move beyond talk and on to delivery. We need healthcare provision that is available from cradle to grave and free at the point of entry. We must have a system that enables people to get the healthcare they need when they need it. It is as simple as that. We need to look at how the whole system operates. Healthcare provision is lacking in many instances. We are all aware of the difficulties with acute services in hospitals but we also need more primary care centres. There is one promised for Dundalk and we must ensure it happens and will have the suite of services that are required, including mental health services. I have spoken to the Minister a number of times about the part of his remit that relates to drugs. We all agree that we do not have the addiction services that are required. We are missing wholesale elements of the care package people require. We need to start having the right conversation and delivering healthcare for all.

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