Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

It is important to remember that the reform programme has it origins in the national health strategy, Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You. This strategy sets out the vision and goals to guide planning and activity in the health system up to 2010. While the strategy acknowledges that the current structures have served us well for more than 30 years, it is recognised that they need to be reviewed to ensure they are appropriate and responsive to the needs and challenges of delivering health services in the changing environment of the 21st century. It also identified the need for a consistent national approach to the delivery of health services, based on clear and agreed national objectives. This is an interim measure. The Minister, Deputy Martin, has stated his intention to introduce new legislation later this year. The new system will need to be highly responsive, so it must take into account the views of public representatives.