Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Senator Marc MacSharry, it is important to realise 2,600 organisations are receiving funding from the HSE's budget. Their allocations account for 25% of the budget. Some €3.27 billion is being paid out to them. It is in this context that we should be considering the matter. I agree with the views of Senators Marc MacSharry and Jillian van Turnhout on the way in which the funding was cut in that no notice was given. I certainly do not agree with no notice being given. We should debate the number of organisations that have cross-representation. We talked about quangos being run by Departments. There is a need to examine how taxpayers' money is being paid to so many organisations with a view to determining whether we can get the organisations to work together, while providing for the same level of representation and care.

When we resume in plenary session in September, we will be facing the budget. It would be helpful if there was a debate before the budget on relevant issues. A very relevant topical issue which I constantly raise concerns the number of junior doctors who are leaving the country. An issue that has caught my attention is that of the number of people who are studying medicine under the graduate entry programme and paying over €16,000 a year in fees to the colleges. If they borrow the money, they cannot write off against tax the interest they pay on these borrowings. This incentive should be introduced in the next budget. I am sure every Member has an idea that could help to improve the taxation system. We should have a debate on this matter at an early date when we return in September. I ask the Leader to consider this suggestion seriously.