Broadcasting levy and hospital pressures
Michael Healy-Rae asks whether the broadcasting levy will be dropped and calls for more health funding, citing severe pressure on Kerry General Hospital nurses. The Taoiseach expects the broadcasting Bill early next year and says the Health Minister is addressing the system’s financial and structural problems.
My first question is on the broadcasting amendment Bill. Following the Government's introduction of the very unfair water tax, is it now proposing to drop the broadcasting levy that it was to introduce?
My second question relates to the health reform Bill. I remind the Taoiseach of the crisis that is going on in our hospitals, including Kerry General Hospital, where the nurses are under extremely tough and difficult pressure to try to take care of patients every day.
Comment on this
More funds need to be provided to the HSE so that our hospitals will be able to carry out their work. It is an impossible situation at present. The Taoiseach and the new Minister for Health will have to address this issue.
Comment on this
Nurses are really under pressure every day.
Comment on this
I am asking under the health reform Bill. This Government made a great many promises in the programme for Government. Will the Taoiseach honour the promises he made in the programme for Government?
Comment on this
The broadcasting Bill is due for early next year.
The health situation is always challenging, especially with a very substantial overrun this year. The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, is now engaged with officials from his Department as well as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and his officials to try to work out the best option for the budget for 2015. I have already answered Deputy Wallace in respect of the health reform Bill. I do not have a date for it. It is one of the major restructuring elements of the health system.