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

In regard to devolution of powers, this has been the cornerstone of this Government's policy. We want local people to have the say over their services. This is the reason for the establishment of hospital groups. We will shortly be publishing a document on hospital groups and on small hospital frameworks. I cite the situation in Galway following the appointment last January of Mr. Bill Maher to run Galway University Hospital, Merlin Park Hospital and Roscommon and Portiuncula hospitals. Mr. Maher has ensured a substantial increase in footfall at Roscommon Hospital, with the addition of new facilities and services, including plastic surgery and ruhematology services. There is also a commitment to build a new colonoscopy unit there. Furthermore, when Mr. Maher took over there were 9,901 people who, had they not been treated by September, would have been waiting a year or longer for treatment. The current figure in this regard is zero. Also, when Mr. Meagher took over the number of people on trolleys was between 40 and 50 per day. That average figure in this regard is now seven.

There is more work to be done. However, devolving power locally gives people autonomy over their budgets. I want to see them given autonomy over their recruitment and procurement, albeit done with a mind to central information so that we get the best deal. That is what delegation is all about. I have seen this work already in the example given. There are other examples also.

I thank Senator Barrett for his contribution and his clear sentiment towards expediting the reforms we are all so keen to see come about. I thank him also for withdrawing his amendments.