Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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723. To ask the Minister for Health his priorities for the remainder of his term in office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32778/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I was appointed Minister for Health on 15 July. Since my appointment, I have been engaging with officials in my Department and the Health Service Executive, familiarising myself with the issues. I intend to continue that engagement, including with relevant stakeholders, before making decisions on priorities. I can assure the Deputy that addressing financial and budgetary issues, extending primary care and promoting healthy living will be among those priorities. I am looking forward to dealing with the challenges and making a difference to people’s lives as Minister for Health.