Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If the Deputy was being fair, she would see that what I what was saying was manifestly correct. It is a matter for the Oireachtas and cannot be something that is carved out, hollowed out and given to a Minister. That is the case and for the avoidance of doubt, that is the advice I have received. I accept that advice because it makes sense to do so.

In respect of what Deputy Róisín Shortall said about documentation, it is not within my remit to comment on it, other than to say I agree with her. As a matter of good practice in any parliament, all Members of the Dáil should have access to all documentation. I am not being dismissive, as I am agreeing with the Deputy. If Deputies believe they need or should have certain documentation and have been deprived of it or it has not been circulated to them, as a matter of good parliamentary practice, they should have access to any documentation being relied upon by a Minister, debated or put before the House. That seems to be an example of first principles.

I agree with Deputy Róisín Shortall in respect of nursing home care and the importance of transferring and realigning resources in the community as best we can. This has been done by the Government. A total of €23 million has been realigned, €10 million of which will be used to maintain short-term beds in the community. There will be 45 additional short-term beds at a cost of €3 million and 250 additional intensive home care packages at a cost of €20 million. The Deputy is absolutely right that the trend and emphasis should be on care in the community and that is what we are seeking to achieve. I do not disagree with her in that regard.

We are working on and have achieved much in respect of posts and various health care professional and staffing requirements. When the Deputy was Minister of State, she initiated some very important work in that regard which we have advanced.

What I have always said about the provision for the under-sixes is that this is an interim phase. It provides that all persons under the age of six years will be able to attend a GP free of charge. This service will not be available to a child who has turned or is over the age of six years, as stated clearly in the Long Title of the Bill. Of course, this is the first step in covering the entire population with a universal GP service. The Department is considering options for the next and further phases of this service. We indicated in the Government's statement last week that a paper would be put before the Government in September to guide the future implementation of this very important scheme.

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