Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to respond to some of the very important issues raised by the Senator. He mentioned the issue of flaws in the system. It is something that we have to examine very closely. I agree with him on that. Part of our plan is investment. As the Senator has seen, in the region of more than €500 million extra has gone into the health services. In my own particular area of disability services, there is extra funding available. It has increased by 6% for the 2017-2018 service plan. The issue is that we have the investment, but we cannot have it without the reform. We need the reforms to the health services. Another issue is to ensure accountability in delivering the services. I know that Senator Craughwell would agree. He raises a very important issue about access and the debate about the role of the consultants. This is something we have to highlight to the public. I will bring all the concerns that Senator Craughwell raised back to the Minister, Deputy Harris, and I hope we will have action and movements on these issues.