Senators:

Not yet. There have been great advances in cardiology and oncology, but in some respects the health service is a victim of its own success. As soon as one illness is cured, another illness arrives or more is expected of the service. Whatever Government is in charge after the next general election will need to be proactive and forward thinking. I am pleased the Minister has increased the number of medical school and dental school places. Orthodontics is a growing area and we need to be constantly looking ahead rather than simply reacting. Section 86 gives scope to the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive to plan ahead and avoid problems in the future.