Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform accepted the Minister's thinking that competition was required to ensure cost effective GP buy-in. On this basis the number of potential primary care centre locations was determined. Senators now know the criteria. They are clear and concise. By deciding to create a list of 35 rather than 20 the Minister, Deputy Reilly, provided positive encouragement for enlargement and financial participation by GPs in this significant and important stimulus package.

When dealing with public private partnerships, it certainly makes sense to maximise the options available. This Government will not be blown off course by motions such as we have seen before the House today. We have committed to fixing the broken country and health service we inherited. The Minister and the Ministers of State, Deputies White and Lynch, certainly will not fail. They have outlined the achievements to date. There is much to be done and we will deliver free GP care and so many other things promised in the programme for Government in the five year term of this Government. The Opposition can talk all it likes and throw at us whatever it wishes, but we will deliver. This is a Government that is united in reforming the health service and the team that is in place will deliver that reform.