Phil Prendergast (Labour)

In Cork University Hospital, 48 graduates of the four-year bachelor of science in nursing course, costing €85,000 per student, have been told there are no jobs for them, despite that they were interviewed and had undergone a week's induction, including completing a manual lifting course in compliance with current health and safety legislation. At the same time, Cork University Hospital has also confirmed that it has 60 vacancies. It is inconceivable that these nursing professionals would have no jobs available to them, despite that there are identified vacancies. If these nurses are lost to the profession, it will amount to a shocking waste of taxpayers' money by the HSE.

I am also concerned about the impact of the downturn in the economy on older people in terms of them not being able to heat their homes this winter. The price of oil rose by 47% in the 12 months to May of this year. It is the most common type of fuel used by older people, with 30% of those living alone and 39% of those living with others using oil as their main method of heating. Bord Gáis has applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation for a 17% to 19% price increase from October and it is believed the ESB has also applied for a double digit increase.

The rise in fuel prices, together with the demand for fuel crops has driven up the price of essential foods. This particularly affects older people. In the 12 months to May the price of flour increased by 39%, milk by 30%, bread by 17%, butter by 17% and tea by 11%. This is putting a lot of pressure on the capped income of pensioners. The means test for the fuel allowance must be adjusted. The real allowance that pensioners received last year amounted to 60 cent per week, which will not be sufficient this winter.

While I realise this will have to wait until the new session, I ask that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Hoctor, who has special responsibility for older people, be invited to the House so that we can discuss the many issues concerning older people, particularly in the context of our current economic difficulties. Older people are already suffering and will suffer further disadvantage as the year progresses. The seasons appear to have merged into each other. I met a young and able person this morning who told me he had to light his fire last night. It is not just older people who might feel the cold at this time of year although there is a particular cause for concern on their behalf.