Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Health in the context of budgetary reviews for the coming year, those carrying out such a review, if he will ensure that the structure and integrity of the health service is not fundamentally damaged arising there from; if he will ensure that due cognisance is taken of the need to provide a broadly based and well balanced service throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My Department's Comprehensive Review of Expenditure is currently under consideration as part of the overall pre-Budget deliberations of the Government. A priority objective is to minimise, and avoid if possible, reductions in core health and personal care services and to respond to increased need. The nature and range of the savings measures taken in recent years means that it has become increasingly necessary to focus in the Review on improving the way services are organised and delivered. This is entirely appropriate and in keeping with the focus in the Programme for Government on reforming the way health services are funded and delivered to achieve greater productivity and more cost effective services, with improved outcomes for patients.