Debate contribution: Health: Failure to Reform

Debate contribution by Mr Matthew O'Toole on 19 January 2026.

MLA: Mr Matthew O'Toole
Party at the time: Social Democratic and Labour Party
Date: 19 January 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Health: Failure to Reform
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5322235

Text

First Minister, I appreciate that you say that you want to work together with Ministers. You are very good at saying that you want to work together and at expressing warm sentiments, but you did not, I am afraid, accept any accountability for the failure so far to fully transform the health service in Northern Ireland or to offer any meaningful improvement. There is another anniversary coming up: if my calculations are correct, by the end of this mandate, you will be the longest-serving Minister in the history of these institutions, post 1998. When you were the Agriculture Minister, you advanced Going for Growth, which has, in part, contributed to the death of Lough Neagh. We have talked about your record in the health service. We all know about your record on COVID-19. First Minister, I think that the public would have much more trust in our institutions if politicians like you were willing to stand up and be accountable for the failure to deliver for them.

167 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Part of an exchange

This follow-up belongs to: Topical question AQT 1921/22-27.

Assessment

Not analysed

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