Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It does not warrant any bonus increase. The Taoiseach is not responsible for everything but he is responsible in the main for the economic mess in which we find ourselves. Having checked with HSE authorities around the country, the bonus in place for 2009 will make matters worse when one considers what will happen in community and primary care facilities next year. I am reliably informed that when the Taoiseach brings in the defining moment next week, there will be cuts of at least 300,000 hours in home help, no walking aids, no wheelchairs, no new physios, occupational therapists or speech therapists appointed and a serious curtailment of home care packages with the result that the vulnerable, those who sustained the country in the creation of the Celtic tiger, will be neglected. There is no question about it.

In July, the Government said that the 3% cutback in payroll would not affect education and health. Whatever else he must do in respect of able-bodied people, the Taoiseach should not take the political cleaver to the quality of life of the old and vulnerable, who cannot speak or act for themselves. I would like the Taoiseach to give me an answer on whether he stands over the position where, in advance of what we know will happen in that sector, the HSE is in a position to set up a bonus increase of 20%, amounting to €1.4 million.

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