Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is deeply hypocritical of Fianna Fáil to claim some sort of ownership for stopping repossessions when, in fact, it created the situation we are currently in.

I commend the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, for yesterday's initiative in introducing the JobsPlus plan to take 2,500 people off the live register through a system of incentives for employers. There are many models for this plan elsewhere. We have debated this issue here before and colleagues have spoken about the German policy whereby the car industry is subsidised through the payment of part-time wages to workers during periods of downturn in the sector. We can see that working in other countries, so it is important to introduce a similar model here. The Minister's new plan is commendable and welcome, and will offer a real boost for the long-term unemployed. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on that plan when we come back in the autumn to see how it is working and what outcomes are being achieved.

Following further revelations from the Anglo tapes at the weekend, I am glad we will be debating Second Stage of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill tomorrow. That Bill, which is being introduced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, will provide the opportunity that Mr. David Drumm appears to seek, namely, to answer questions in public and give an account of his actions. It would be welcome to see that being done before an Oireachtas committee of inquiry. It is all very well granting interviews to chosen interviewers, but it would be good to see an Oireachtas inquiry up and running with individuals giving evidence before it.

I also wish to ask the Leader for a debate on medical expenses. Earlier today, I attended a briefing by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, as did many colleagues. The society put forward a strong case for a change in the law on reimbursement of medical expenses. The Department of Health is supportive of that initiative that physiotherapy should be included as a reimbursable medical expense.