Feargal Quinn (Independent)

There are two trends in medicine and health care that deserve attention. It is trite to use terms such as "win-win" but these trends relate to practices that offer good value for money. The first is the trend towards prevention rather than cure. Much can be done in this regard and we really should find time to debate the matter.

The second trend is towards new technology and the phenomenon is known as "e-health". A report last week by COSTEFF in Brussels referred to telemedicine, which I had not heard of. It is well worth debating and paying attention to because it is suggested that we can look after our own health from home.

I attended the Carers Association briefing on the budget this morning and in this regard I noted that telemedicine serves as a reminder of the good value for money we can achieve if we concentrate on prevention rather than cure and on treatment at home using such techniques as telemedicine. An example given was that people can look after their weight through using their mobile phones.

The diabetes check all of us in the Oireachtas have been offered is an example of real prevention rather than cure. Those who had the chance to be tested will receive advice as to what they should do. When I, given my height, was told I would benefit from losing a little weight, I offered to put on height rather than drop weight. I did not actually achieve anything, however. We must consider medical treatment at home rather than in hospital and the concept of prevention rather than cure. We must find time to debate these because they will offer value for money.