Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Yesterday the Hanly report was issued, the 105th report published by the Department of Health and Children in three years. What happened to the other 104? Its main recommendation was 2,500 acute beds and 2,000 consultants but the other recommendation was the reduction of accident and emergency hospitals from 40 to 12. There will be much discussion on this aspect because the closeness of these hospitals to communities is crucial to their survival. Where does the Minister for Finance stand in relation to this document? Will the resources be provided to implement its recommendations?

An aspect of the document I welcome is the Mid-Western Health Board area being selected for a pilot project and the appointment of 149 extra consultants over a period, creating many disciplines which do not currently exist. I am dubious, however, because in the good times we did not have health reform and now we are talking about health reform in the bad times. I would like to know if the resources will be provided to go ahead with this facility.