Ivana Bacik (Independent)

We should welcome that European leaders have come to an agreement on the Greek issue and we must look forward to the implications of this deal for the economy. I encourage the Government in all it is doing at that level.

It is welcome that we are holding a debate on health issues today. It is important that as many Senators as possible contribute to the debate and put the questions we all have to the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly. I hope Senators and the Minister can keep their contributions tight in order that Senators from both sides of the House can ask as many questions as possible. A key question which I am sure the Minister will answer concerns the steps being taken to end the two tier health system and introduce universal health insurance, as promised in the programme for Government.