John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

We have learned our lesson; however, some of the problems we now face stem from those times and the lack of reform. Let us not enter into a blame game. This is part of the programme for Government. Senator John Crown is correct to remind us that the former Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, told us that it would take two terms to deliver universal health care. It is a reasonable timeframe. While many of our critics say we have abandoned universal health care, we have not abandoned it in any sense. We are realistic enough to know and accept the challenge it presents in realistic terms and plan accordingly. To say we have abandoned our position on universal health care is dishonest.

GPs are crucial to the provision of universal health care. Not only are they crucial to the provision of primary health care, they are also the gatekeepers to all facets of the health service. Senator Thomas Byrne has chosen to highlight the most minimal figures rather than being more rounded in his analysis, which is the job of the Opposition. However, more than 50% of GPs across the country have signed up to the scheme, which is very promising. It was said it could not be done and it was argued ferociously in this Chamber that nobody at all would sign up to it. However, 50% of GPs signed up in the early phase, which is a decent start, although there is much more to be done. The Minister referred to universality of access, which is the key to delivering what I consider to be a fair health service. The health service is not fair, but we cannot change it in the space of four years. It will take much longer than four years to achieve real and lasting results based on health promotion in the first instance, disease prevention, early detection and treatment delivered as close to home as possible, with the lowest level of complexity and in the most efficient and sustainable way. Nobody can argue with this.

Senator John Crown referred to the crisis in the accident and emergency service. It is an appalling crisis, but I hope it will pass with the good weather, although the evidence is mixed. We will see a reduction in the necessity for people who might not be able to afford to go to their GP to take their children to an accident and emergency department instead, despite the €100 charge. People who come to my clinics have told me that in a situation where they cannot afford €50 for the GP, they will bring their children to an accident and emergency department, given that the €100 charge will be deferred and they might be able to save €20 here and there towards it in the meantime. Perhaps, this measure mightl alleviate the pressure on accident and emergency departments to some extent, although I am not suggesting it will solve the problem. Much more needs to be done in that regard.

The period of transition and change the health service is going through is very difficult. Senator Colm Burke referred to a budget of €13 billion. While finance is very important, the human resources within the health service are equally and perhaps more important. Medics, nurses and all health professionals and staff are working above and beyond the call of duty to provide a service in very strained conditions, for which we commend them. Managing the change is the most important thing we can do.

When this scheme is in place, 800,000 people aged over 70 years and under six will be able to attend a GP at no charge. This represents one fifth of the population and is a good start by any standard. Taking into account the significant overlap between the 800,000 people concerned and the 43% of the population who have medical cards, I hazard a guess that over 50% of the population will be in receipt of free medical care.