Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the House on the number of speakers who have contributed to the debate. The purpose of the reforms that have been announced is to put patients first and we should not lose sight of that. We are putting patients and the public at the centre of our health policies. My colleagues in the Department of Health and Children and I are determined to deliver real improvements in the health services, particularly in primary and community care services. This matter has been touched on and I will go into greater detail in that regard.

Improvements will also be delivered in the hospitals system. We embarked on this process two years ago, when the reports were commissioned. We recognise the need for radical reform and we accept that many stakeholders and the general public will be involved in that reform. We are determined to press ahead with the reform as quickly as possible, to the benefit of the vast majority of the people. I am pleased and heartened by the positive comments I have heard in the House and I appreciate them greatly.

The urgency of proceeding with implementation does not need to be underlined. It is clearly accepted and acknowledged that it is important that we move forward with this process rapidly. A public consultation process with all the stakeholders is under way. Perhaps Members of this House can help to fast-track the implementation process. I would welcome their assistance in that regard.

Many Senators spoke about investment, both in terms of what has been achieved and what will be required. The level of investment in the health service will be in excess of €9.2 billion in 2003. Senator Kenneally referred to the fact that we spent just €3 billion on the health services five years ago. One can easily calculate that funding has increased threefold in a short number of years. The Minister, Deputy Martin, and I accept the clear need to match the level of investment with reform. We should continue to underline that there is no point in speaking of financial investment only, as we have to invest in the reform package too. I hope that reform will be accompanied by better accountability, better performance and much better management. Senators will agree that the people deserve nothing less from public representatives in terms of public services.

A number of speakers highlighted aspects of service or the proposed reforms in their own areas of interest or in their own constituencies. I have asked the House to assist in the radical reform package because reform is for everybody. Reform will only work if everybody supports and is involved in it and embraces the change that is required if we are to focus our attention on improving service for patients and the public.