Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Walsh for sharing time with me. The reason we are opposed to these cuts is clear, namely, they target the most vulnerable, including those in need of home help and those who are disabled, while nothing is being done to tackle the drugs bill. I am not sure if the Bill dealing with this issue has been introduced in the Dáil yet. Implementation of that would result in savings of ¤10 million. However, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, has sat on his hands in respect of the Bill. I sincerely hope the Minister of State, Deputy White, whom I congratulate on his appointment, will not do that.

It is hoped that the primary care legislation, which is promised in the programme for Government but on which nothing has happened, will be introduced, thus providing the Minister of State, Deputy White, with delegated powers. Until then, he will be at the whim of the Minister, except in the specific functions delegated to him, including the poisons Bill and other issues which do not affect the public.

A stroke was pulled in relation to the provision of the new primary care centres. Senator Clune said 20 centres are required. If she is correct, the proposal to provide 15 was wrong. The reality is that on the day they were announced-----