Dan Boyle (Green Party)

When formulating as largely an agreed a process as possible, Members must ensure those who can take more of the brunt of such decisions do so. This is where the real political challenge will be.

As for other debates before this House, I seek an opportunity to examine some of the issues that have been raised with regard to the health debate. The figure of €600 million to €1 billion, while large in itself, constitutes 4% to 5% of the overall budget and if everyone is honest, these are the type of cuts that are envisaged across all Departments. Where real consensus exists is about the existence and the future of the Health Service Executive as the best body to deliver health services. It is on this issue that debate is required in this House, which might inform where real savings and improvements in the health service may be made in the coming years.