Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. One of the aims of the budget is to protect the vulnerable. This is also my political objective. Before discussing the details of the budget, I wish first to welcome the €2.5 million allocated in respect of cystic fibrosis services at Beaumont Hospital. I warmly welcome the additional support provided to patients and their families at the hospital, which is located in my constituency. This is a major step and I hope it marks the beginning of a process of developing cystic fibrosis services at other hospitals such as St. Vincent's. I will continue to fight in respect of the provision of such services.

My vision for the health service — I was subjected to a great deal of criticism in respect of it recently — revolves around reform and investment. The latter are the are key factors and I urge all Deputies to support the concept I am promoting.

In the discussions relating to my agreement with the Taoiseach, I raised the issue of disability and cancer services. I am glad that an additional €50 million is being provided in respect of the disability sector and that an extra €29 million is being allocated for cancer services. I also welcome the additional €25 million being provided in respect of care of the elderly. I raised these issues with the Government on previous occasions and I look forward to seeing more of the services to which I refer being rolled out during the next 12 to 18 months.

Since we are dealing with the budget and related health issues, I wish to challenge the misinformation emanating from some Deputies in respect of frontline services and the so-called HSE embargo. In my constituency, Dublin North Central, since 5 September 2007 a total of 117 new employees have been appointed by the HSE. The breakdown in respect of the posts taken up by these individuals is as follows: medical, 15; dental, one; nursing, 59; allied health professionals, 21; support service staff, four; administrative hospital-based staff, five; additional nursing, seven; additional health professionals, four; and extra allied health professional, one. When new staff are appointed or new services put in place, Deputies should tell the truth and stop misleading the public.

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