John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in welcoming the Minister. In a debate during Private Members' time in this House last February the Progressive Democrats called on the Government to take early and decisive action to reform the management structures and financial accountability of the health service. I am delighted that the Minister has responded in such a positive way and congratulate him on the decisive action shown in the health service reform package announced last week by the Government.

This is the largest single reform package any Government has ever undertaken. It is only the start of a process of reform, a process designed to put patients first and at the centre of health care reform and investment. This is about patients before politicians, boards and structures. It is a decision which signals that the way we have always done things cannot be the way forward.