Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The business of the House started today at 10.41 a.m., even though the Order of Business was due to start at 10.30 a.m. That was not the Cathaoirleach's problem, as there was no quorum, but I understand Standing Orders provide that the House will fall after a certain period of time. I advise all groups who are here, and those who are not here, that this is happening on a daily basis and it is difficult to muster a quorum in order to get the business started. This is something that can addressed through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, or the parties and groupings could remind Members of Standing Orders so that we can have an efficient start to our business.

I ask the Deputy Leader to follow up on the issue of home help gratuities, which I have raised on a number of occasions over the last three years. In 2009, the Labour Court held that home help workers were entitled to a gratuity of 4.5 weeks of pay per year of service in lieu of their pension entitlements. There were two Labour Court recommendations. In 2011 the Government indicated that it would pay the gratuity in 2012. I have written to the new Minister for Health on four occasions since he was appointed to his position, but all I have received is a series of acknowledgements. Home help workers are low-paid workers and many of them are on the minimum wage. They play a very important role in our health service by helping to ensure that people can stay in their homes. I do not think anyone would want to treat these workers in this way, but I cannot even get a response on the matter. If one considers the situation across the country, one could calculate that the bill for paying what is due to them is probably €8 million. This is a once-off payment. I understand the Minister will be in the House in a couple of weeks' time to deal with health legislation. I ask the Deputy Leader to flag with him my intention to raise this issue or, alternatively, to facilitate half an hour before or after the debate if the issue is not appropriate to the legislation. I have previously raised the issue on the Adjournment, but if the Minister could spare 15 or 30 minutes for a quick debate, we might be able to make progress on it.

I have repeatedly raised the issue of fampridine or Fampyra, the multiple sclerosis drug which since 1 July has not been available to many multiple sclerosis sufferers. The drug gives people back their mobility and independence. I understand the HSE has been assessing a new proposal from the drug company since 22 July. That is a long time.