Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HIQA report into governance and related issues at Portlaoise General Hospital has been published. It makes for shocking reading, presents an appalling vista in terms of what happened at that hospital and raises a range of issues in terms of patient safety and the needless loss of lives of five young children and perhaps others of whom we are not aware. The report is an extraordinary tribute to the perseverance and persistence of parents who faced obstruction after obstruction in their search for the truth. Despite the latest attempt by the HSE to suppress this report, we witnessed its publication last week.

It is evident from the report that patient safety was not a priority and that there were failures at local, regional and national level in regard to this issue. What is extraordinary is the extent of the repeated warnings which time and again were not acted upon. This morning I received a copy of an e-mail received by one of the parents involved. This e-mail reveals systemic weaknesses and awareness of those weaknesses by senior people within the HSE. Alarmingly, these weaknesses were identified not just in Portlaoise, but in almost every other site across the country. This e-mail was sent by the Chair of the national incident management team, NIMT, to the director of patient safety. In essence, he said that he knows the director is aware that the high rates of harm alluded to are reflective of what is occurring in other jurisdictions also and that the NIMT is aware of numerous sad and serious cases occurring at all HSE sites.

I will repeat that: "The NIMT is aware of numerous sad and serious cases occurring at all HSE sites". This was known at a very senior level within the HSE. Was the then Minister aware of the numerous sad and serious cases at the time? Was the Government aware of what has essentially been revealed as a systemic patient safety issue? I have repeatedly asked in the Dáil when the national patient safety authority would be established but I have received no reply.

Portlaoise was a band 3 hospital, which was confirmed by the Minister at an Oireachtas Committee meeting in 2011 and which means it was to be a 24-hour, 7-day, acute surgery, accident and emergency and maternity hospital. As we know from the HIQA report the investigation team found that the hospital was neither governed, resourced nor equipped to safely deliver this level of clinical services. Furthermore, in 2012 and 2013 the HSE had specifically identified clinical risks associated with surgery and emergency medicine, going as far as to say that surgical services at the hospital should cease. Given that all this was known and given the decision of the Government to make it a band 3 hospital, why were the necessary resources for a band 3 hospital not allocated? Why was the requisite funding that would have gone to other, similar level hospitals, not given?

Given what we now know from the report that very senior people were aware of the systemic safety issues in Portlaoise, how does the Minister for Health ensure proper accountability and responsibility for the needless loss of so many young lives? What steps does the Minister intend to take so that we will get accountability? That is the least the families and parents in this situation deserve.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for his question. I am sure that on a matter as serious and sensitive as this, nobody wants to make political point-scoring the objective of their questions. I know that is not what Deputy Martin is doing. For the families of the five little babies who are no longer with us, Katelyn Keenan-McCarthy, Nathan Molyneaux, Joshua Keyes, Mary Kate Kelly and Mark Molloy, it is obviously a tragedy. The persistence and dedication of the parents in following this through has brought about a situation where the HIQA report has been made and published. It is not the first HIQA report - there have been seven on various sensitive issues in the past number of years, such as on the misdiagnosis of breast cancer several years ago and on warnings about inadequacies in maternity services going back as far as 2006. There will always be occasions when adverse incidents unfortunately arise in hospitals. That is not confined to this country but happens in hospitals all over the world. It is imperative that actions are taken to minimise that risk and to learn fully from errors where errors occur.

I recognise the courage and dedication of the families involved in persisting and following through on this until the HIQA report was published. The publication of the report is welcome and its eight recommendations are all accepted. This will drive much needed improvements in Portlaoise and will have implications for the standards of local, regional and national services not just in maternity but in other sectors. The very least the families who have spoken out here deserve is that the tragic legacy of what happened will be dealt with so that, in so far as is humanly possible, it should never happen again.

I agree with Deputy Martin that this report raises issues of grave concern. The fact that patients in their greatest hour of need were not treated with compassion, respect and dignity is an indictment of the health service in some locations. The fact that, at HSE corporate level, patient safety is not given the highest priority is disturbing to put it mildly. It is a fact that there are accountability and disciplinary procedures in respect of doctors and nurses but not in respect of management and that is why this report is lengthy and complicated and one on whose content the Minister for Health has to reflect very carefully. At the very least a comprehensive response is required to ensure that a culture of patient safety is evident in the health service as a matter of absolute priority and it is not just a service that pays lip-service to patients and their requirements but one where the patient and the patient's needs are at its centre.

The Minister is engaging directly with the HSE directorate to ensure that the very serious findings of this report are addressed and, in accepting the eight recommendations of the report, that they are fully implemented and that other issues arising from it are dealt with appropriately. Deputy Martin asked about resources and one would expect that. It is not all about resources but it is in part about resources. I have dealt with many health issues over the years and for many years there has been a failure to address fundamental questions about the nature, the structure and the kind of service we need for our people nationwide. The Minister will have to bear this in mind as he looks at national, regional and local services.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am no wiser at the end of the Taoiseach's reply. My opening question raised a very serious issue, revealed in the e-mail of December 2012 from the national incident management team to the director of patient safety. It states that, "The NIMT is aware of numerous sad and serious cases occurring at all HSE sites". Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Health to come before the Dáil and elaborate on that e-mail? To what does it refer? What are the systemic risks in sites across the country? The public and parents are fed up of waiting three years to get answers, as they had to in the case of the HIQA report. These are very serious issues.

I am not raising the issue of funding, as one might do. It was HIQA which raised it. I quoted earlier from the Health Information and Quality Authority report, which states, "the hospital is neither governed, resourced nor equipped to safely deliver this level of clinical services". Furthermore, the HSE itself, in 2012 and 2013, had specifically identified clinical risks associated with surgery and emergency medicine, going as far as to say that surgical services at the hospital should cease. At the time of the publication of this report, however, the hospital continues to deliver those services.

In 2011, a Government intervention specified categorically that it was to be at this level at Bantry General Hospital. However, there was no follow-through in terms of resources, governance or equipment to deliver the level of clinical services it would mean. This core question must be answered. What happened? To what degree were the risks suppressed and why? People at a very high level are commenting on the numerous sad cases all over the country. Is it all being kept subterranean? Were it not for the parents of the five babies concerned, we would never have had the HIQA report. The e-mail was written five months before Mary Kate Kelly died and before the Portiuncula cases happened. It is time, not to give the pat or formulaic reply as tends to happen on such occasions, but to use the HIQA report as a catalyst for coming clean on what is happening and calling it appropriately and properly, which has not been done to date.

The Taoiseach seems to be saying, as the Minister has said, that there will be no accountability on the management side. It is not the classic tragedy. These deaths should not have happened and could have been prevented had people acted on the concerns identified here. Regarding prior consideration of these issues the e-mail states, "on this basis a decision was made not to initiate a service safety review". The following question was put in the e-mail: "Do you now think that a service safety review or a specific review of the overall performance of this service is required?" These are the people responsible for safety in the hospital and across the system. They seem to be at sixes and sevens about what to do next. This would have also gone elsewhere and others must have known about the very serious concerns that were being raised. Was the Government aware of how serious the situation was in 2011 and 2012? It is time the Minister came before the House to make a statement on the issue, on this e-mail and the HIQA report and to take questions from Members of the House on Portlaoise and other hospitals.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have not seen the e-mail to which the Deputy referred. I would like to read it before I comment, as the Minister would. When the Deputy speaks of bands and categories of hospitals, he is reverting to the sort of system we had for so many years.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach's Minister said it in 2011.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Could I finish? The old system of hospitals A, B, C, D, E and F, and their facilities and services always led to tension between different regions for their individual hospitals. The establishment of the hospital grouping system allows for contracts to the group and much greater engagement between hospitals, medical personnel and the services they provide.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is missing the point. The accident and emergency consultant contacted us this morning.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

For example, in the new hospital grouping, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital is associated with the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, and this speaks for itself. The HIQA report clearly points out that much has been done in the last period. As the Deputy knows, all eight of the recommendations will be fulfilled. New management is in place in Portlaoise and a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the Coombe to establish the country's first managed clinical maternity network in the Dublin midlands hospitals group, which is important. The quality and patient safety position in the hospital has been filled; risk management has been strengthened; on-site incident reporting has been introduced; 16 additional midwives are in place to reduce the ratio of midwives per baby born; and approval has been given for further midwifery posts to include shift leaders in delivery and posts in diabetics and ultrasonography. The director of midwifery in place is seconded from the Coombe; a training and needs analysis was undertaken and a training plan has been developed with Athlone Institute of Technology; all midwifery staff have attended cardiotocography, CTG, training, which is important; guidelines are in place for oxytocin administration; and a programme of diagnosis and treatment for neonatal hip dysplasia has been implemented. The national mandatory reporting of serious patient safety events is in place; an improved patient satisfaction survey completed in 2014 indicated that patients were much happier with the quality of the maternity services they receive in Portlaoise; the maternity service has developed a multidisciplinary communications guideline; and a mandatory multidisciplinary customer care workshop was provided. The Deputy might comment on whether he agrees with the view that the Portlaoise emergency department should be closed at 8 p.m. I do not agree.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with what is right for patient safety.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I take the Deputy's suggestion that this should be the start of a new conversation about how we structure our health system and the services we provide. The Minister will come before the House at 5 p.m. and will have no difficulty indicating his intention and that of his Department to follow through on the implementation of the eight recommendations made by HIQA in this very grave and serious report. If, out of the tragedy of the loss of these five little babies, and outside analysis, our national, regional and local services are improved, it can be a good thing for everybody concerned. We must have a system that puts patient care and needs at the centre, and not one that pays lip service to it.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin also seeks an emergency debate on this and other HIQA reports, which I have raised here, and on a letter from HIQA which made it clear that most of its recommendations had not been acted on and that patient safety was, therefore, at risk. I will return to the issue later.

Now, I will deal with the refusal by the Irish banks to cut variable mortgage rates for struggling householders and to pass on the European Central Bank's reduction in interest rates. On 30 April, the Taoiseach said it was unacceptable, and he has voiced similar sentiments for years. However, yesterday, in a report to the Department of Finance, the Central Bank said it does not want powers to compel Irish banks to reduce variable mortgage interest rates. The 300,000 mortgage holders will have received the news with utter dismay. They know, and the Taoiseach knows, and we should be very clear about what is happening. Although the ECB reduced its variable interest rates, the Irish banks have refused to pass the reduction on to households but are pocketing the money. Irish mortgage holders are being ripped off by the banks while the Central Bank is refusing to protect them.

Over the past four years, Sinn Féin has been calling on the Taoiseach to take action on this. The Taoiseach must take the opportunity to state very clearly and robustly that he rejects the Central Bank's recommendations. He must make it very clear that he will ensure the Central Bank takes on these new powers. Will the Taoiseach assert clearly that he will ensure that mortgage holders who have been denied the benefit of the ECB reductions will, finally, be afforded some relief?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have made it perfectly clear for quite some time that the Government is unhappy and finds it unacceptable that lending banks have not passed on the reduction in rates at which that they borrow to variable rate mortgage holders. The Minister for Finance has made it clear on many occasions that were the Central Bank to request him for legislative authority to deal with interest rates, he would so legislate. Deputy Gerry Adams is aware that neither the Central Bank nor the Government dictates what variable interest rates should be. The Minister is returning from Brussels today from a Eurogroup meeting. The Deputy seems to be quoting from the report in question which I have not received yet. It has been received in the Department of Finance and I expect the Minister will have an opportunity to go through it this evening. Obviously, he has made his intention clear of engaging with the banks, following receipt of the report, on variable mortgage interest rates. Everyone knows that variable rate mortgage holders have struggled and are struggling in a very unfair position where the banks have not passed on rates that were reduced for themselves. I suggest to the Deputy that it would be only appropriate for the Minister to assess and analyse the report which he asked the Central Bank to provide for him. We will have an opportunity to discuss the report here in due course. It is for the Minister to make recommendations to the Government on what is the appropriate and best thing to do, taking into account that the Government has made it clear that we do not find it fair or acceptable that this situation is continuing.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have not read the report. I am surprised, however, that the Taoiseach has not read it. Where I obtained this information was where most of us on these benches receive it, like those on the backbenches opposite, namely, through the media.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From An Phoblacht.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am surprised and disappointed that the Taoiseach has had not had the time to read the recommendations of the Central Bank in this regard. He says he is unhappy. That has been a consistent theme. He said it was unacceptable and not fair. However, he is not a commentator or spectator. Hand-wringing by him or the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, has not worked. Polite conversation has also not worked. As the Minister might put it, some of the bank chief executive officers are allergic to fairness.

The Taoiseach needs to take firm and decisive action. He knows what the problem is. The State owns most of the banks. Accordingly, what is required is necessary insolvency legislation to support struggling home owners and provide legal protection for the family home. Citizens have been waiting for some time for the Government to introduce some proposals to deal with this crisis. The stress and the anxiety visited on these families are very real. Compare this with the Taoiseach’s willingness to have all-night sittings and develop, under a Labour Party Minister, unprecedented new legislation which will allow the Government to pickpocket people’s pensions, welfare benefits and salaries to pay its water taxes. On the one hand, there is no problem with it bringing forward all of these measures when it comes to ordinary folks. However, when it comes to the banks, the Taoiseach waffles, engages in rhetoric and does not act.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A question, please, Deputy.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The question is quite simple. The Taoiseach is here to protect taxpayers and householders, to stand up for them and stand up to the banks. When will he introduce specific measures to end the bank veto in personal insolvency arrangements, as well as reducing variable interest rates to ensure interest rates set by the European Central Bank are not pocketed by the banks but are passed on to the people who own them?

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Paddy wants to know.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The report was commissioned by the Minister of Finance and to be provided for him by the Central Bank. The report was received yesterday evening in the Department of Finance. The Minister is in Brussels and returning today. He will be the first person to read the report, at his request. It was not delivered to everybody else, if that is Deputy Gerry Adams’s insinuation. The Minister is entitled to receive the report, read and assess it and bring his recommendations to the Government. The Deputy claims I have been unhappy for some time about this matter. I am also unhappy about the issue of promissory notes, €3 billion being borrowed every year to pay interest for Anglo Irish Bank, the extent of the deficit, the unemployment rate and the situation of those in mortgage distress. Yes, we are here to protect the taxpayer.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Paddy is still not happy.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The central mandate given to the Government was to fix the public finances and put the country back to work. I am happy to report that we will exceed the target we set ourselves of having 100,000 new jobs created by the end of 2016.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about the question I asked?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will come to it. I was unhappy about the 15.2% unemployment rate. I am still unhappy that it is at 10%, but at least it is heading in the right direction.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The right direction seems to be Australia and Canada.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about the kangaroos?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Clearly, the public finances are now in much better shape than when Deputy Gerry Adams was crowing that the European Union could go stuff itself and the other language he used.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Like the Greeks.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We have had a continuous debate about Irish Water. The Government listened carefully to people’s concerns. The charge is now €1.50 per week for a person living on his or her own and €3 a week for a household of two or more persons.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Did the Taoiseach fix the leaks yet?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is grossly unfair that in respect of the contribution requested by the Government for Irish Water-----

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach called it a compliance regime.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy Adams all about compliance regimes. What about the kangaroos?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is grossly unfair that some people who can well afford to pay decide not to pay, while other taxpayers, over 1 million of them, will pay and contribute to the well-being of our society and the country.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What does this have to do with variable rate mortgage holders?

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should not start. What about people who cannot pay?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of issues about water and inadequate water facilities have been identified by the national body of Irish Water.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should not forget the home tax?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is unfair of Deputy Gerry Adams to assume that he can have a sector of society which can well afford to pay the modest contribution to Irish water but chooses not to do so while their neighbours pay their way, as they have done for many years.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What does Irish Water have to do with it?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about my question?

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Waffle.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government will act as it has on the other issues about which I was unhappy.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about the lead in Raheny? Get the lead out.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

First, we are entitled to have the Minister receive the report, read it, assess it and bring his propositions to the Government for Government action. The Government will defend and act in the interests of the taxpayer. Deputy Gerry Adams will see evidence of this, I hope, not before too long.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In April Youth Work Ireland, representatives of youth clubs in every county, met Members of the Oireachtas to raise various issues and the concerns of youth organisations. Young people are our greatest resource. There is a need at parliamentary level to recognise and acknowledge their role in a modern society.

I also wish to acknowledge the magnificent work done on behalf of young people by the officers, local organisers and voluntary helpers. Over the years, they have built up excellent services and structures in various formats throughout their communities. They have provided such vital support for our youth over several generations.

Youth clubs are crucial for character development, well-being and social inclusiveness of young people. For many years, however, they have been cash-strapped and run on a shoestring budget. They have tried to run various programmes and activities during the recession with a consequent shortage of funding. In addition, cuts to vital services in the educational system, such as the reduction of career guidance counsellors, mean that up to 200 second-level schools cannot provide one-to-one counselling as they did previously. It was a reasonably good service up to some years ago, but that has now been removed. This is one of the main reasons why 15,000 young people have dropped out of education and do not sit the leaving certificate examination. This is happening annually. The provision of career guidance in schools is inadequate and, in addition, up to 1,000 pupils are leaving the system once they complete their primary education.

I am asking the Taoiseach to provide the necessary adequate funding in the forthcoming budget to enable youth organisations to further develop activity programmes as well as enhancing facilities for our growing young population. Additional resources are also needed for the comprehensive provision of guidance counselling and learning supports for school pupils with special needs.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's central point concerns the importance and capacity of our young people to measure up to the challenges that are undoubtedly coming. Corporation tax has been a cornerstone of foreign direct investment here, from whatever country, as well as issues including technology and the track record of our people. By far the most important issue is the talent pool of young people coming through. That is a combination coming out of the secondary system and engaging with business, institutes of technology or universities. Firms and investors look at the range of talent of young Irish people who measure up to the highest standards. I have seen evidence of this in talking to people about challenges in the software, pharma, robotics and electronic engineering sectors. Young Irish people have introduced innovative changes that affect businesses in so many ways.

The Deputy also referred to youth services, which are a matter for consideration by Ministers as they prepare for October's budget. I recently met with representatives of Foróige and have seen the extraordinary work they have done over so many years. It is true that there have been reductions in the allocation to youth organisations as part of the overall cutbacks that applied for a number of years due to the economic situation. Clearly, these are cases that can and will be made in preparing for the budget in future.

The Deputy mentioned career guidance teachers. As he knows, for some time secondary schools have been demanding greater independence in this regard. The decision by the previous Minister for Education and Skills was made in light of that. One must consider that the vast majority of people to be employed in the next ten years will be engaged by companies that have not yet been established and whose products have not been progressed beyond a concept. The world ahead is changing rapidly. Teachers now need to be more than just deliverers of information because all that information - perhaps too much of it - is available to young people anyway in multitudinous forms. They must therefore decide and define what the priorities are and what is really important.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Give them back their career guidance counsellors.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Education and Skills told the Cabinet this morning that the allocation will be made shortly for special needs and resource teachers at a high level. That announcement is normally made at this time of year, and she will make it shortly. That is designed and put in place so that young people who need particular attention will continue to get it. In addition, cases as yet undefined or which have not been brought to the attention of school authorities, will also have access to it. That announcement will be made shortly.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I endorse the Taoiseach's statement regarding the high calibre of youth coming out of third level education. This is helpful in attracting foreign direct investment. There is another aspect, however. It has recently been ascertained that 2,000 students drop out of secondary education after just two years, which is alarming. It is something we will have to address. One in five students in the 13 to 15 age group are disengaging from education, so there is a need for corrective action to halt this worrying trend.

Germany and some other continental countries have a scheme to identify problems facing students in the first and second years of secondary education. Such students can be diverted to training centres to undertake trade apprenticeships while continuing their school education part-time. The system operates for students who cannot adapt to full-time academic pursuits. In that way, at 18 years of age, they are trained and available for employers who are seeking such people for the job market. It is a good example of where Ireland should also be going in order to remedy this situation, particularly as our youth unemployment is exceedingly high. It is currently one of the highest Europe and has been for some time.

I commend the appointment of the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, to the Department of Health with responsibility for drugs. There is a need for a greater awareness of drug abuse across all age groups, but in particular for our youth. Kerry Life Education is providing a mobile unit in the county to promote awareness of drug misuse. The group's professional staff are doing Trojan work in this regard.

In addition, the Kerry diocesan youth services have a mobile unit which visits all corners of the region. It is essential to bring such technological facilities to remote areas. The services provided by such mobile units could be replicated around the country. I ask the Government to provide the necessary support to enable all these organisations to continue operating.

4 o’clock

I hope the Cabinet, specifically the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy James Reilly, will approve the necessary funding in the budget.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, knows about it.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Jimmy knows about it.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Wanderly Wagon.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The mandate of the Government was to fix the public finances and get the country back to work. Restructuring and recapitalisation of the banks were not done for their comfort but for the comfort of consumers and customers. What are parents worried about for their children? They are worried about obesity, bullying, including cyberbullying, and what is being watched on tablets or mobile phones. They are worried about the relationships people may have and how they may go in the wrong way.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

How about putting a roof over their heads?

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

They are worried about putting food on the table and housing.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

These are the issues that concern parents, rightly so. All of this relates to a sense of place, community and citizenship. It is important that young people have this understanding and involvement from a very early age. It is true that most investors and people who look at Ireland from abroad comment on the calibre and quality of our young people. Everybody cannot be a PhD or a master's degree student or in the top percentile in engineering or other sectors.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is certainly true.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Some young people who leave secondary school have had a tendency to remain in receipt of unemployment assistance for many years.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A tendency.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Come off it.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is why the Government introduced and has funded Solas to have a much more vigorous and appropriate involvement in training, apprenticeships and upskilling for work.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is there a tendency to be unemployed?

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is outrageous.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is more Michael Noonan stuff.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Are young people lazy now? Do they not want to work?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is very important. That is why we have Intreo and the JobBridge and JobsPlus programmes, as well as a new focus on the long-term unemployed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is why the Government cut the jobseeker's allowance.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is Deputy Tom Fleming's question. There should be order.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Hide them from the live register.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is broadening the point.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is why the Department directly funds employers-----

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach does not have to live on €100 per week.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----which take on somebody who has been unemployed for more than 12 months to the tune of €7,500, or €10,000 for somebody who has been out of work for two years.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What is the Taoiseach reading?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In that sense, the Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, is working with the new apprenticeship council to have a much more flexible method of dealing with the requirements of employers. It is easier to set up companies and there is far greater access to credit than ever before. There is a need to be more flexible. The Minister of State is working on that issue in a very committed fashion because employers are looking for X number of skilled people but cannot find them and must thus look abroad.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach said this 12 months ago.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We should be far more flexible in training people who can meet these demands.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why is that not happening?

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What about Tús schemes and the JobBridge programme?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is the essence of what Solas is at and the work of the apprenticeship council.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is talking as if he was in opposition.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Government might be more flexible.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is also the involvement of Intreo offices which make an appropriate profile of a person's background, opportunities and motivation.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Profile.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should have watched Deputy Halligan last night.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

They take into account the wishes of the people concerned.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Has the Taoiseach been watching "NCIS" on television? It includes profiling.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Instead of the unemployment list, the live register, being seen as a lengthy list of people with no future, it should be seen as offering potential for employers to train and upskill, with people being able to learn computer and language skills, trades, crafts, etc.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Why is it not funded?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

By 2018 I expect us to be very close to full employment.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The focus group reports are coming in.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There will be jobs for young people in their own country. Sustainable jobs are the best route out of disillusionment and poverty.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach should read the front page of the Irish Examiner.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Work should be seen to pay. People should be given that opportunity.