Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I fought a hard battle with the Minister about whether there should be a democratic input, along with the Association of Health Boards in Ireland, which I commend on its hands-on approach to this matter. Regardless of whether people like it, when the announcement was made there was very little noise from the other side. I accept there is great concern among locally elected members about this issue. I share that concern. However, I must be balanced and honest and say that the issue of representation has been addressed. The merits of the method of addressing it will not be known for some time.

I was a member of a health board for almost 23 years and chairman for two years. I worked for a health board for many years. Nobody appreciates more than me the value of locally elected members. That is why, as the Minister for Health and Children would confirm if he were here, I made ongoing representations for having local democratic input included in the structures.

There was a certain amount of acceptance among the Opposition of the abolition of the health boards. There is no point in saying black and meaning white; that is the case. The reason I fought so hard with the Minister for the recognition of democratic input was that I would not give anybody carte blanche when it comes to the delivery of a public service. The health service is extremely important and it is imperative that it is responsible and answers to the people. In that context there should be democratic input. The Minister has acceded to my ongoing representations and those of the Association of Health Boards in Ireland. I wish the new structures well.

We do not all get what we want in this life. I am a Government Senator and a spokesperson on health and children, so I have a responsibility to the Government. However, I want to be balanced in my comments in the House and I will be so without fear or favour. The provisions for public representation and involvement are not ideal but they are a major step forward from the original proposal.