Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their input into the debate and for their co-operation in the smooth passage of the legislation. It is important that we get the Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible. I wish to say a special word of thanks to officials of my Department who have been working on this legislation for some time. It is very complex legislation but it is very far-reaching and will undoubtedly have a very positive impact. This legislation has been promised for many years and I am pleased that this Government is now giving effect to the commitments in the programme for Government to reduce the cost-base in the health service.

It is important legislation that will ensure we get much better value for money. It will also ensure much better value for consumers, which is an important point, and also for the State. Savings made in the medicines area will free up critical funding in order to invest in other life-saving aspects of the health service. I thank everyone involved for their input and co-operation.