The health reform Bill promises new structures for the health service. Fine Gael is planning to hand the public health service into the control of private for-profit insurance companies. Only last night, we learned that the Fine Gael supporter and financier, honorary doctor and billionaire O'Brien has now taken over a major private hospital, the Beacon. Will there be anything public about the health service by the time Fine Gael and the Labour Party have finished with it? Does the Government intend to give the whole service over to vulture capitalists, as it is doing with just about everything else?

Would Deputy Higgins prefer to see it closed?

Does Deputy Higgins want it closed down?

What plans has the Government for real public health reform?

None whatsoever.

As Deputy Higgins will probably be aware, the Minister has just published a White Paper that is designed to bring an end to the two-tier system which has been a feature of the health service here for a long time and under which access to health services is based not on health need but on one's ability to pay. The Minister is determined to reform that, and it is clearly the direction in which the Minister is seeking to reform the health service. We have always recognised that such reform is a lengthy process, and widespread consultation will now be undertaken with a view to implementing that reform over the period to 2019. Health legislation will be introduced as part of the implementation of that reform but the Deputy will have ample opportunity to make a submission on the development of that reform in the health service.