Irish Examiner view: Resolving health service crisis isn't just about money

There needs to be a fundamental reappraisal of accountability, responsibilities, and priorities 

Leona Bermingham and Glenn Callanan's baby Lee died hours after being born prematurely. Picture: RTÉ

With the health service staggering after its long duel with Covid there is a huge reserve of goodwill towards the staff who were in the vanguard of holding the line against the pandemic. Any attempts to reward them with a financial payment, or additional holiday, or a combination of both is likely to meet with public approbation.

This does not mean that there is universal satisfaction, or anything approaching it, with provision and treatment levels. There are anxieties about the shape and composition of new regional structures, more effective use of technology following the near disastrous ransomware attack, and Ireland has acute waiting lists of up to 900,000 people.