Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

While a shortage of funding can excuse early failings in the health system, by 1995 sufficient funding was available to advance the agenda of reform. However, it was not done. Starting from the low base left by the coalition, we have increased the health spend by over €10 billion, an increase of 188%.

I admit that while much has been done, much more needs to be done. Negotiations are ongoing between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Finance. I am always amused when I hear the Labour Party advising us on how we should care for our health system and health professionals. A Labour Party Deputy held the position of Minister for Finance yet when parity was sought by the retired nurses who had built the health services, he would not give it to them. Not alone that, the Labour Party's then leader attempted over the airwaves to chastise the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, for having granted parity, for which I strongly commend them. Moreover, to his eternal credit, the Minister, Deputy Martin, provided funding for a number of health boards, including the Midland Health Board, to effect the out-of-hours general practitioners' service which has ensured that a quality of life never before enjoyed by general practitioners or the general community is now available. The facts speak for themselves.