Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thought the Leas-Cheann Comhairle had forgotten about me as I have been here from the start. It is important to recognise that what is being provided builds on the capital plan. Deputy Mattie McGrath failed to make reference to the fact that the capital plan announced last week will provide moneys for the refurbishment of the old county homes or old hospitals and thereby become HIQA compliant.

Deputy Timmins raised an interesting point in respect of student accommodation, with which I agree. There is a need to examine how we can build student accommodation. Tax reliefs and incentives were in place in the past for developers but that was not enough in terms of the development of student accommodation in, for example, areas such as Cork city where there is a high demand for such accommodation. We should examine this measure as a means to address that. I would be happy to debate that at another time.

In the context of the health budget, Deputy Timmins will note that today we heard that €13.2 billion is to be given to the Department of Health. That allocation is up to the 2008 level. I am sure the Deputy will welcome that expenditure as part of a progressive health system.

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