Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On this issue, there have been three days of public consultations and we face another three. It will be interesting to see who will be around at 7.45 p.m. on Friday and Monday nights during the consultations. We are to have legislation in this area and will ensure it is passed by the end of this term. To suggest we are rushing legislation through is totally incorrect.

I welcome the Higgins report. For far too long, too many hospitals, even those in one location such as Cork, where a number are providing the same type of care in particular areas, have been subject to an inefficient arrangement. Reconfiguration could ensure there would be a far more efficient service and more value obtained in service provision. I welcome the Higgins report's comments on reorganisation. What is proposed represents a structured way of providing a comprehensive health service. Let us have a debate in this House on the issue.

On the cost of health care, one kidney transplant in this country saves €750,000. In Norway there are 370 people on dialysis because 300 transplants are carried out per year there. We carry out 150 and have 1,800 people on dialysis, despite Ireland having a similar population to that of Norway. We have done absolutely nothing about long-term planning in health care. Over €100 million is now being used to fund dialysis services. If there had been long-term planning in the past 15 to 20 years, the number on dialysis would have been greatly reduced. That is why the Higgins report is welcome. It is important that we have a debate in order that the relevant information can be circulated. I ask the Leader to arrange it.