Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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390. To ask the Minister for Health his priorities over the next 18 months. [36823/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As I said on my appointment, for the remainder of this Government’s term of office I will concentrate on achieving a small number of realistic goals while laying the ground work for further Health reform.

Firstly, I want to achieve a realistic budget for the Department. That will allow for the maintenance of the existing level of services and for some improvements.

After securing a budget, I will focus on introducing universal GP care without fees. The legislation to extend it to under 6s is in place and the legislation to extend it to the over 70s should be in place by the end of the year. I also want to continue the work of my predecessor Minister Reilly in further developing and building the Hospital Groups by putting in place Boards, CEOs and Senior Management Teams and the developments of strategic plans. I also want to take an active role in promoting healthy living. Changes in lifestyle can prevent many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.

Other priorities for the remainder of the Government term include the following:

1. Stabilise cost of health insurance

2. Reduce cost of medicines

3. Retaining doctors and nurses

4. Five Major Capital Projects

5. Delayed Discharges

6. Universal Patient Registration