Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments of my colleague, Senator Diarmuid Wilson, on the alignment process and the restructuring of Leader companies under the provisions of the recently passed Local Government Reform Bill which will have a negative effect and create more, not less, bureaucracy. I tabled a motion on the issue on the Adjournment last night and during the debate the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government suggested it would reduce red tape and bureaucracy, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a total lack of clarity. Funding is not available under the current Leader programme because it has all been spent. The Minister needs to roll up his sleeves to have this issue sorted out and allow projects that have applied for funding to receive it.

I refer to the proposed amendment to the Order of Business to discuss the HSE service plan. Before the last general election, Deputy James Reilly promised that if he became Minister for Health, he would roll out the BreastCheck programme to all women aged between 50 and 69 years. He has reneged on this promise for those women aged between 65 and 69 years. Under the HSE service plan for 2014, the BreastCheck service is not available to the women in question. It has been proved beyond doubt that the BreastCheck service saves lives, but the Government, in an attempt to save euros, has rolled back on its promise. We must have a debate on this issue. I, therefore, support Senator Daragh O'Brien's proposed amendment to the Order of Business in that regard.

The national parks play an important role in promoting our cultural heritage, history and tourist industry, but there is something very striking about the funding which goes to them. Of €1.184 million available this year 80% is going to Killarney National Park. I have nothing against that park, but-----