Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Yes. I got to know Councillor Jack Burke over the past six months and he is an impressive man. He knows how to instigate action. He was ably assisted by Mr. O'Connor, the chief executive of the Association of Health Boards, and they lobbied the Minister intensively.

I am happy, following the Minister of State's contribution, that a role will be provided for democratically elected representatives. He stated: "The provisions in the legislation are likely to include the establishment of a series of regional fora to facilitate local representatives in raising issues of local concern in relation to health services within their region with the executive. Membership of the fora would be based on the participation of a number of nominees from each local authority." However, the Prospectus report states that Oireachtas Members will be the democratic representatives on behalf of the national treasury to make the health service efficient.

Councillor Crowe, a Fine Gael member, Senator Ó Murchú and myself participated in a conference on the proposed changes to the health service, which was organised by Councillor Niall Dennehy in Clonmel earlier this year. Together with Councillor Seán MacCarthy, we spoke passionately about the need for representation at the micro level. Such representation may not be as extensive as in the past but Councillor Jack Burke and his fellow local authority members agreed there must be change. Everything must change on a constant basis. However, I am optimistic the Minister of State's statement will address their needs, although not completely, as they would prefer the continuation of the status quo. I am happy the recommendation by the consultants that Oireachtas Members only will provide the democratic input will not be accepted by the Minister and the regional fora will comprise local authority members.