The Irish people attach a high value to good health services. They expect to have access to health services when needed and to receive the highest standards of medical and nursing care. They believe that Government should fund caring services for those with disabilities, protect children from abuse and work to create an environment that promotes healthy living. Successive generations of Irish men and women, in the statutory and voluntary sectors, have worked hard to overcome diseases that maimed or killed prematurely, to guarantee access to services on the basis of need and to care for the ill and disabled in a way which respects their individuality and humanity.

By international standards, we can be proud of the comprehensive nature of our health and personal social services aswell as the reputation for competence and compassion of those who have made their careers in the health services. These are substantial achievements; but there is a need to review periodically the direction in which services are developing and to redefine priorities. This document builds on the many strengths of the services while at the same time identifying the necessary directions for change.