Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday we debated the provisions of the latest budget brought forward by Fine Gael and the Labour Party. I welcomed some aspects of the budget and pointed out the many which are deeply troubling. We will have an opportunity to debate those provisions further when the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill comes before the House. Can the Leader indicate a provisional timetable for when that Bill will be brought before us? It will require major amendment, containing as it does many provisions that are grossly unfair and which we hope the Government will revisit.

Most colleagues will agree that what happened yesterday in the Department of Health is unprecedented in the history of the State, with the Minister for Health being unable to produce a budget for next year. The Minister is effectively being stood down by the Government, with four other Departments charged with assisting him in putting together a plan for his Department, to be published within the next 21 days. Anybody who examines the health Estimate for next year will observe how incredibly vague it is. We know it will involve €13.2 billion of taxpayers' money, incorporating savings of €666 million, but there is precious little detail. As I said yesterday, the Department of Health is a time bomb waiting to go off.

I am seeking a commitment from the Leader that when those 21 days have passed and the Minister, with the assistance of the Department of the Taoiseach and other Departments, finally produces his service plan for next year, the plan will be debated fully in the House, with the participation of the Minister. For many weeks I have endeavoured to secure a debate on the issue of discretionary medical cards, in a context where, this year alone, more than 22,000 people in severe need have had their cards withdrawn. That amounts to the withdrawal of some 400 cards per week. Yesterday's budget included the announcement that a further €133 million is targeted under what is termed a review of medical card provision. This essentially points to a withdrawal of medical cards and, moreover, it does not relate to the over 70s but to those suffering long-term illness. Here we see the Minister reneging on yet another promise, namely, to introduce medical cards for specified long-term illnesses. We must have a comprehensive debate on this issue when the service plan is published.

I understand the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, will today announce details of the pyrite repair scheme. That is most welcome and I have no reason to believe it will not do what is required for home owners. We await the detail of the legislation with interest. Media reports suggest the Bill will be brought to the Dáil before Christmas. Does the Leader have any information on when it will come before this House? The sooner the pyrite resolution board is established on a statutory basis and can begin accepting applications from home owners, the better for us all. This House has played a major role in seeking a solution for people affected by the issue.