Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

The Minister will be aware from his colleague in the Department of Health and Children that the Government, fully supported by the Health Service Executive, has proposed the development of a large number of primary care centres which would transform the health care of every citizen on this island. We, on this side of the House, concede that without some degree of tax relief or incentive, that will not happen. We cannot have our cake and eat it. We must recognise that there must continue to be some degree of flexibility on valid tax reliefs. Primary care centres stand out as deserving of such support.

The Labour Party recommendation is useful in the sense that it forces us to do more long-term thinking on our budgetary process. When the new Administration is in place, I hope it will encourage debate on the concept as it would make for much better decision making. I formally support the recommendation.