Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the last question, that is a core part of the women’s health plan. Very significant progress has been made on women’s health over the past two years in particular. The Minister has given particular focus to that on a number of fronts.

On Deputy Brendan Smith’s point, first, I understand he has very strong concerns as a Border Deputy. He understands full well the implications. There could be complications around that, but I will have the matter examined in terms of what possibly can be done to support students. However, there are complications. I will have the matter examined.

I am not quite clear on the council’s response to Deputy Paul Murphy. Is the council willing to buy it or is it not? Has it made any effort to buy in that particular case? I do not know in that respect. On the broader issue of rent supplement, the Minister is basically telling local authorities to use their discretion and purchase houses where they can avoid homelessness.

On the home care issue, Deputy Conway-Walsh said that the 20.4 million hours mean nothing to a particular individual. It means an awful lot to many individuals. We always need balance in our public commentary. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has succeeded in securing very substantial resources for home care in this country. The waiting lists have come down significantly. The service has expanded to such an extent that we have challenges in getting personnel now because it expanded so quickly. That needs to be acknowledged also.

See this speech in context