Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will make a few points.

I welcome the Deputy's comments regarding the emphasis on existing levels of service. Of course, it is always the case that ministerial colleagues will seek to add to the existing budget with new ideas and new policy initiatives drawn from the programme for Government, but there is also a need for an emphasis on reform. We must always be asking ourselves whether we are spending our resources wisely, whether we are doing it in a manner that is getting the best outcome and whether we are ensuring there is value for money in everything we do. Those are vital questions.

On the issue of regional balance, it is important to state that under Project Ireland 2040 the vast majority of growth is pencilled in for outside the greater Dublin area. In fact, 75% of population growth is to take place outside Dublin. We need to make sure that the new national development plan, which is to be agreed during the summer, supports that.

I will address the Deputy's point relating to the Department of Health in my next contribution.

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