Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I listened with interest to the call to invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House to debate these matters. I support that call. I have participated in debates with the Minister in this House on a couple of occasions and I have found her interaction with Members of the House and her frankness on issues most helpful. Of course, there is the issue of whether she is available today, if one can add a little realism to this debate. I presume Members are realistic that there will be some negotiation between the Leaders to agree a suitable date and time when the Minister will be available to participate in such a debate.

A number of speakers have put questions to the Leader. I listened intently to Senator Alex White but I am not sure whether it is that he does not have political support for the Taoiseach and Minister or there is something more deep-rooted or he has simply not asked people the right question, but he indicated that there is a certain amount of untruth circulating. If that is what he means, and he appears to be nodding in agreement, I urge him, in the interests of everybody's good name, to spell this out so we can ascertain whether he is correct or incorrect. In fairness to the Taoiseach and the Minister, if Senator Alex White has an issue, he should state it clearly and let us await the answer to it. I invite the Senator to take me up on that offer or go directly to the people with whom he has a problem and discover the answers for himself.

I have heard his colleague, Senator Alan Kelly, state previously in the House that the Minister should have responsibility for different aspects of the health issue. Today, he is contradicting himself. What the Minister has done is a welcome move with regard to the guidelines for medical cards. She has taken back power and ensured she has control over the establishment of thresholds. Heretofore, it was the responsibility of an authority outside the Houses. All Members of the House should welcome that. Indeed, I have heard the Senator's party ask for such a move in the past. There are some contradictions in what is being said on this issue.

On the other hand, Senator McFadden referred to the elderly at home. I have some experience with this issue and it is wonderful that over the years Fianna Fáil has delivered a tremendous package of home supports, be they care assistants, home helps, meals on wheels, day care services, residential services, the home adaptation grant and the home improvement grant.