John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

-----suffice it to say that following eight years during which the delivery of health services was at best inconsistent and lacking integration, we cannot expect an instant panacea.

The reorganisation of the health service in line with the programme for Government, with the ultimate aim of providing universal health insurance, as outlined by the Labour Party as early as 2006, and perhaps a little before it, is ambitious and will require patience and forbearance. It is a plan that is long overdue and the Government has moved quickly such that the massively complex reorganisation of the HSE is well under way.

We look forward to working with the Minister in securing the badly needed change. This Bill is an important first step in delivering this change. We look forward to having a robust discussion on its separate and various provisions on Committee Stage. We look forward to working with the Minister on his ambitious plan to deliver real reform in the health service.