David Norris (Independent)

I will not pretend I have the wisdom to resolve this problem, but I have some comments to make. I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to the House. In particular, I wish to show some solidarity with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. She has shown great courage in seeking this job for herself. Politically, it is regarded as a poisoned chalice. She is a remarkable woman who previously made inroads into other complex and difficult areas in a very practical manner. I hope she is also able to do this with the health service.

It is clear that the health service needs structural reform so that the taxpayer receives value for money, which I do not believe we are getting at present. The health service needs to be examined in a structural fashion because there is a kind of systemic failure therein. I believe the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children used a similar phrase. The service requires radical examination and overhaul.

There is also a political dimension to this matter about which politicians have not shown courage. We have the Hanly report and know perfectly well that its recommendations are the way forward. There is no question or doubt about it. However, every local interest pops up to say "not in my backyard" and that the local hospital should not be affected. Undoubtedly, this is a vote-getter, and one has hospital candidates as a result. As far as the voters are concerned, it is perfectly understandable. Their fears are encouraged and whipped up for electoral advantage, which is a mistake. We must rise above that and look at the entire system. If radical measures are necessary, they should be taken.

An entire series of issues exist such as, for example, the inappropriate use of facilities because of pressure on the system. Many elderly people are held as long-term chronic patients in hospital. It is unfair and wrong to call them "bed-blockers", which is insensitive language, but that is the effect. One of the matters we should examine is getting people into the most appropriate area and facilities for their proper treatment.

The issue is receiving great public attention and I have referred to this in its political dimension. The media are also involved and sometimes they do a good job by highlighting particular issues. Sometimes however, it can be overdone and I must say that Joe Duffy's radio show did so, with its offers of trolleys from Ben Dunne. It is a pity Maureen Potter is no longer with us. I am sure that she could have had quite a few——