Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support the call from my colleagues for an urgent debate on the current crisis facing the agricultural community. As Senators John Paul Phelan and Regan stated, the income drop suffered by the farming sector in the past 12 months has been serious. When one adds the current flooding and fodder crisis to the equation, there is a bleak winter ahead for the farming community. Will the Deputy Leader arrange a debate next week on this matter to allow us to go through the various issues of concern, highlight the problems that need attention from the Government and, I hope, seek some degree of relief?

I agree with Senator Twomey on his concerns about the Health Service Executive's home care package. In that sense, I am revisiting what I have raised in the House on a significant number of occasions, namely, our policy on the care of the elderly. There was a substantial debate on the new nursing homes scheme. Sometimes it is presented by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and her Department as a panacea and a one-size-fits-all solution. However, it is not. There is a great need and scope for an expansion of the home care package. That it works differently across the various Health Service Executive regions shows the lack of leadership and consistency in the executive's and the Department's policy. Good value for money can be obtained from home care packages where they are working. The Minister expects up to 10,000 persons to qualify for the package, which would allow many people to remain in their homes and communities with their families rather than being institutionalised in nursing homes. It is a philosophy we should support, not just in words but financial deeds. There should be a standard scheme and delivery across the country. Will the Deputy Leader bring some sense to the scheme which is working with varying levels of success? We need to have this matter on the agenda and ensure the scheme remains in place.