Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

-----include taxing people at a higher level. Fianna Fáil will not do that. That is the reason I say that Fianna Fáil is devoid of credibility and that Senator MacSharry is bordering on dishonest when he suggests something that he knows in his heart of hearts that Fianna Fáil would never propose to the Irish electorate, namely, taxing high earners. It never has done so and it never will do so. Both parties are taking responsibility in government. It is true that we are making choices. It is also true that many of the choices and decisions we have to make are extremely difficult. However, the fact is that we must ensure the public finances are brought into balance. We are achieving that. We are making a start, which is hugely important for both parties in government, on the kinds of policy choice that have to do with universal access to primary care.

I accept Senator Cullinane's point that there is more to primary care and health than access to GP services. Other services are required as well, but let us get people focused on primary care and access to GPs. We must get people to visit their GPs on a regular basis and take responsibility for their own health. People must work with their GPs on preventative strategies in the community. The GP and ancillary services around the GP are central to that. For as long as there is a barrier of fees and people have to pay a fee to see the doctor we will have a huge obstacle to the advancement of our health care policy. I am passionate about universal access to GP services. I do not exclude the fact that there needs to be a debate about how we extend cover and pay for health insurance, all the acute services and the other community services, but in primary care, at which the GP is at the centre, let us remove the barrier of fees from that service. In so doing, we will greatly improve the health service as a whole.