Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like other Senators I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy White, to the Chamber. I am sure when he was sitting here he did not think he would be sitting where he is now. Well done and congratulations. There is no better man to take over the portfolio.

I will keep my comments brief because I know we have time constraints. People have spoken about empty buildings throughout the country and wondered why primary care centres are being built. It is because they will be purpose-built and building them will create employment. When they are built and operational the rent from GPs will go to the State and not to private developers. I will stand over this any day and it is a good thing.

The special delivery unit which was established is definitely showing results and reducing waiting lists throughout the country. It is a step in the right direction. Much more must be done of course, and as Fianna Fáil used to say, a lot done and more to do. We all echo this sentiment. We know there is much work to be done but we are here to do it and we are up to the job. Of course it is with great regret that Deputy Shortall did not see it through because she had many good ideas. I hope the Minister of State, Deputy White, will take over the alcohol legislation and see it come to fruition. It is Labour Party policy to drive primary care centres so I will not apologise to anyone for doing it. We will continue to do it and that is what we are here to do.

Reference was made to home care packages. No cuts were made to home care packages and funding was increased. This is to be welcomed, particularly in this climate when funds are scarce. I am concerned about those who receive home help hours. I hope the Department will consider the person at all times. At a HSE meeting we were told home helps are paid by the hour and we must get value for money. Of course we do, but we must remember we are speaking about vulnerable people. I hope the Minister of State will do what he can to ensure those who receive home help will have their hours maintained.

HSE areas which keep within their budgets should not be punished through cuts being made. I ask the Minister of State to examine this. I know it is early days for him and he is finding his feet. The Department of Health is a poisoned chalice, as Fianna Fáil knows. In fairness to Fianna Fáil, it kept pumping money into health but it did not work so we had to pull it asunder and reform it. We could not have begun the process of reform without the Croke Park agreement and keeping people on our side and working. We all recall that prior to the election nurses were out with placards seeking a reduction in hours. Under the Croke Park agreement this has gone away. I urge those who want to break the Croke Park agreement to keep it going.