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

I thank Senator Conway-Walsh for her contribution.I will definitely follow up the point the Senator raised regarding the service improvement group whose purpose is to improve waiting times for physiotherapy services. I will also follow up the Senator's point on the need to address issues such as the management of maternity leave and sick leave.

Another important issue and one which I regularly raise with the Health Service Executive is the outsourcing of services. When I hear about outsourcing, it sets off a red light in my head.

Senator Conway-Walsh also referred to the logistics involved in travelling from Galway to Belmullet. I have seen a similar example in the disability sector where we had a service which cost €80,000 per person. When a crisis arose in the health service, bills suddenly issued for twice this price. We will have to address that issue.

The Senator also raised the important issue of physiotherapist recruitment panels in the various counties. Those who have been placed on panels are ready to roll, as it were. I will raise this matter with the Minister. The message I will take to the Minister and the Health Service Executive is that we must ensure services are in place.