Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and the officials in all the Departments involved with the matter. It is an important step. We have much catching up to do, as I mentioned in a previous debate on the matter. In Denmark, the computerisation process began in 1994. We have 1,700 different computer systems in the health area but in Denmark they have 27 and are working to a target of five or six systems for the entire country. This is an important step in creating efficiency and saving money and it cannot be taken without having the appropriate legislation in place. This is the appropriate legislation and it will set up proper structures.

There is one advantage as we know the mistakes made by other countries and health systems. It is important that we learn from that and put in place a safe system both in respect of the protection of data and in ensuring data can be accessed in an efficient and proper manner by health care personnel. It is an important step but we have much work to do. This is just one of the many areas where we must create efficiency in the health service.