Malcolm Noonan (Green Party)

I really do welcome that update. It is certainly encouraging to see such progress being made. As I said in my opening remarks, it is critically important for the long-term health and well-being of our society, particularly for babies born after this system is up and running. That they will have the opportunity to have their health records online throughout their lives and having that integrated system that is interoperable between European countries is going to be absolutely vital. I welcome the update.

Separately, it is important that Government puts a communication plan in place to communicate to members of the public that this is happening, that it will be transformative, that it will be positive for health outcomes and that it will result in wider societal benefits. As I mentioned, it will also afford the opportunity to look at longitudinal health trends and respond accordingly with health and well-being plans for the wider public. I again thank the Minister of State for delivering that update on behalf of the Minister for Health. I look forward to seeing these proposals being rolled out.