Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and apologise to the Leader. In regard to the budget there are one or two issues we need to look at in respect of the health budget. Some ¤150 million extra is being put into the health budget which is a huge amount considering that less money is available. In the health care area there is a need to look at efficiencies. For example, 65 million items of medication have been dispensed in a 12 month period and we are consuming 35% more antibiotics than any other EU country. This is about value for money. We can provide the same standard of health care service but there must be efficiencies in that area.

I had a question in to the Joint Committee on Health, the answer to which I received this morning. The number of people not turning up for outpatient appointments in Cork University Hospital alone, between January and August, was 17,000. Whether there is a problem in arranging appointments it is about value for money. If a service is being provided it is important that it is used efficiently. Given the health care budget, we can deliver the same and even an improved quality of service while creating efficiencies in the process. That is one of the things the Minister is doing and the Department and the HSE are working hard to achieve efficiencies. We all have a part to play in ensuring value for money and if we seek services we must avail of them when made available to us.