Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure Deputy Boyd Barrett that the recent consultations at the Labour Relations Commission with regard to consultants' contracts will bring enormous benefits in respect of 24/7 cover, rostering, savings and greater productivity. There are a number of matters that will relate to the Labour Court in due course. I further assure the Deputy that the Minister and his departmental officials are intensely involved with the pharmaceutical companies on issues like the cost of drugs and the delivery of medicines to this country's health care sector. I can confirm that a great deal of discussion and intensive negotiation has taken place in that regard in the recent past.

I respect the work that home helps do throughout the country. I have met many of them. I know the work they do when they call to those who need care and attention. I know the work they do in the morning, the afternoon and the evening. It is important for Deputy Boyd Barrett to appreciate that home helps are concerned to ensure that those who require care get the best care that can be given to them. That is the Minister's intention. Obviously, the circumstances of those who receive home help care can change - circumstances may change within the family or the person might die - and these things are reviewed as a result. At the same time, another person in different circumstances might be making a home care application. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the Government are determined to ensure that where home help is needed, home help will be given.

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