THE PROBLEM of how to reduce health spending without reducing the standard of healthcare will be the subject of the next Irish Times/Pfizer health debate which will be held on Wednesday, November 25th in Dublin.
The debate is the sixth in a series of debates on health issues around the State.
The exact motion is: “This house agrees that reduced health spending should not lead to poorer healthcare.”
The motion is particularly topical as it is expected that the Health Service Executive (HSE) will be asked to shave at least €1 billion from its budget next year, as part of major savings being sought by the Government.
Proposing the motion will be Mr Liam Woods, finance director with the HSE.
Also speaking on the same side will be economist Dr Sean Barrett. A senior economist in the Economics Department in Trinity College Dublin, Dr Barrett is well known for his forthright views on issues ranging from Government spending to transport.
Opposing the motion will be Prof Ray Kinsella, a regular commentator on health and banking affairs. Author of a book entitled Acute Healthcare in Transition in Ireland, Prof Kinsella is a director of the Centre for Insurance Studies, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business.
Also opposing the motion will be Mr Stephen McMahon who is chief executive of the Irish Patients Association. The association represents the views of patients on various issues.
The debate will take place in the Paccar Theatre at the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, starting at 6.30pm.
The debate will be chaired by Irish Timesassistant editor, columnist and author Fintan O'Toole.
The motion will be put to the floor and a vote taken at the end of the debate.
Members of the public are invited to attend and admission is free. However, advance registration is necessary.
To register contact healthdebates@ogilvy.com or call Orla Dormer on 01-6690030.