Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader indicate what progress has been made on my request for a structured debate on matters relating to the economy and the country's financial position? Will he arrange a debate on the Health Service Executive's service plan for 2010 which was launched the other day with an allocation of more than €14 billion? I note the HSE intends to deliver its services through a combination of continued reform through measures such as minimising the length of stay in hospital and providing alternatives for those admitted to hospital through accident and emergency units.

I read with interest the aspect of the service plan on older people and note additional home help hours and home care packages will be provided. In the light of demographic changes, these additional hours and the decision to allocate only €97 million to the fair deal scheme suggest there is a vacuum in an area of great importance to older people, namely, safe and effective rehabilitation and intermediate care beds. These services which gear people up for a return to the community appear to be missing from the plan. I, therefore, ask for a debate on the issue.