Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the health service and note that the Minister for Health today presented the bed capacity review to the Cabinet. It is extremely important that there has been a full review and that the agreed number of new beds that are considered to be necessary be opened to deal with the challenges health services face. In opening new beds there is also the challenge of making sure wards will be adequately staffed. When I raised this issue last year, I pointed out that the HSE had been well able to recruit more than 2,000 administrative and managerial staff in a very short period. In responding to the needs highlighted in the bed capacity review I hope we will also be able to employ the additional staff required to provide adequate care for the patients who will occupy those beds.

The negotiations on the GP contract have been under way for more than 12 months. I firmly believe this issue needs to be given priority and that GPs need support to deal with the increased demand. There has been a major change in the demographics which will continue over the next ten to 20 years. We need to be ready to face the challenges presented by an older population and many more people being retired. There will also be an increased demand on the health service. If sufficient progress is not being made by the National Association of General Practitioners, the Irish Medical Organisation, the Department of Health and the HSE, we should seriously consider looking for an independent chairperson to chair the negotiations. The issue needs to be given priority. We also need to have targets and deadlines to make sure comprehensive health care support will be provided in the community.