James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I could easily start by saying we all know what drives the public mad. What has driven it mad is our financial sovereignty being handed over to a troika due to the actions of the previous Government. Let us call a spade a spade.

A number of issues arise. This Bill is an interim measure on the way to the abolition of the HSE. I refer to an interim structure at the top of the HSE to replace the board. It is to give a clear line of sight.

I wonder how many takers one would get for an interim position that certainly will not last any longer than three years and particularly for the salary in question, given that the previous incumbent was on ¤320,000 per annum plus a car allowance of ¤25,000. The director-general designate is on ¤195,000. This represents a considerable saving for the taxpayer.

We are very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of the gentleman concerned agreeing to take the post. I have absolute confidence in him, the Secretary General of the Department of Health and the new leadership of the VHI. These represent the three legs of the stool that comprise our health service. It is terribly important that all three interact in a meaningful, coherent way to address the cost base of the service, which is clearly too high. This was not addressed heretofore but it is now being addressed. As the House knows, new arrangements were agreed at the LRC talks by consultants and these will have a major benefit.

Section 16E provides for the appointment of the director general. Under subsection (4), the first director general is appointed by the Minister. This is not something that has not happened before. Subsequent directors general will be appointed by the Minister following a recruitment process under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. There are legislative precedents providing that the first person appointed to a new office be appointed as envisaged under subsection (4). The use of this provision is the most practical way to advance the new directorate's arrangements. I do not, therefore, intend to accept the amendments.

It is important at a time of change that there be some sense of direction and that people have some certainty about who is in charge. Having the director designate in position to walk into the job achieves this comprehensively. The people in the HSE now know where the new leadership lies and they are rowing in behind it. I welcome that.