Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The resources must be provided. It is clear that there are difficulties in the health service. The Government is under pressure and there are competing demands, but the number of people with mental health difficulties has increased. The number of suicides has also increased due predominantly to financial pressures and the great burdens that people are under. There is a need for resources not only to support lives, but to support the development of lives. It is unacceptable that such essential services are being cut at a time of greatest need.

There are areas within the Department of Health where savings can be made. For example, targeted savings could be made in respect of generic medicines. It is not a question of competing demands with other Departments. There are areas within the health budget where savings could be made. The HSE is overrun with middle management and there is a lack of services being provided on the ground.