Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I want to make one or two points. I reiterate the comments of Senator Dardis in thanking the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, for staying so long this evening and for giving such a great outline of his activities in the Department. No company, industry or sector in this society could grow at the level at which this Department has been growing – when one looks at the figures mentioned here of the money which has been pumped into the sector and the numbers employed in it over the past five years – without asking if it needs reform. The system is working on a basis set up in the 1970s. We do need to reform it.

I am grateful to the Minister. He addresses our motion quite clearly by saying that he is setting up an audit of the structures, the medical staffing and the financial accountability. He finished by saying that he will reform and invest. The hallmark of this Minister will be reform. I can guarantee that he will have our support in reforming and in continuing to invest in this Department.