Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is a major worry. The research I quoted from the survey results points to how the public are not satisfied that this would be a universally-based system universally funded through the taxation system. It simply does not fit well with the public. The danger always runs that this will spiral. We have seen every year how politicians applaud the increase in funding to our health service. Has the system become any better? No, it has not. In fact, it has got worse. This element of funding will be like a runaway train, like the HSE funding. The figure of €12 million will continue to increase. That is where the concern lies. That is why we wanted to have a real debate on this issue. Clearly, the Minister has made up his mind and is not willing to engage on this or any other issue. That is regrettable.