Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know colleagues wish to join with me in offering our condolences to our colleague, Senator van Turnhout, on the death of her father, Michael Hassett.

Senator MacSharry did me the courtesy of explaining that he had to leave for the banking inquiry and that he cannot be here for my response. He called for a debate with the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, in respect of the issue of overcrowding in accident and emergency units and patients on trolleys. With its customary efficiency, the Leader's office has already been on to the Minister's office to try to schedule the debate. I am happy to try to schedule it but I am mindful that there is a heavy legislative schedule between now and Christmas, which is only three full working weeks away. We therefore may not be able to do so in that limited timeframe but we can do it in the new year.

I thank the Leader's office for the information that we have scheduled in the term of this Seanad, 41 separate debates on the health care portfolio. I think I am right in saying that it is more than any other portfolio. This is separate and distinct from the many debates we have had on health care during matters on the Adjournment and matters on the Commencement. The Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, was present a short while ago today responding to a matter raised on the Commencement by Senator Paul Bradford. The matter concerned the future of universal health insurance and the Minister set out some factual matters in terms of the Government's achievements on health care reform. The Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, is a regular visitor to the House as was the previous Minister, Deputy Reilly. We have had a whole range of health care debates but I am happy to try to facilitate colleagues who wish to have a debate on this important issue.

As colleagues will be aware, there has been investment in seeking to tackle overcrowding. There have been some positive figures, as some colleagues have pointed out, in particular Senator Burke. Some really key structural changes have been made by the Government in health care. These include establishing hospital groups, building more than 45 primary care centres, establishing the new Child and Family Agency, Tusla, and stabilising the private health insurance market.

In terms of reform, Senator Burke also pointed out that free GP care was introduced for children under six years of age and those over 70 years of age and moves are being made to introduce the same package for those under 12 years of age. We have increased numbers of staff in our health service. Since January of this year, there has been approximately 500 more nurses recruited and, since September 2011, almost 300 additional consultants recruited. There has also been a trebling of mental health funding in the past four years. There have been positive changes, reforms and structural developments made in the health service. The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, gave a full response to Senator Bradford in a matter on the Commencement in this regard.

In respect of the particular issue that has arisen today, colleagues have all expressed concerned about the vote by the INMO for industrial action, potentially, on 15 December. I know that Tony O'Brien of the HSE has already said HSE management will engage with the INMO through the Workplace Relations Commission to seek to resolve the issues concerning overcrowding and avert that industrial action. Such a resolution will be in the interests of the staff working in the health care system but, more important, in the interests of patients.We all wish for a speedy resolution to those matters in the coming weeks. I think that answers Senator MacSharry's point.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the EU's approval of the budget and deficit reduction targets and noted that these targets are being met and indeed exceeded. He also welcomed the good news on the Christmas bonus. Having been abolished in 2009 by the previous Government, it is on its way to being fully restored, with a 75% restoration in the current budget. Some 1.2 million recipients of social welfare payments will benefit from this, with payments to start from next week. That development is hugely welcome. The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, signed the regulations necessary to restore this portion of the bonus yesterday. This news was also welcomed by Senator Brennan.

Senator Norris offered congratulations to Senator Barrett on his radio interview on the banking inquiry. I did not hear the interview but others told me how good he was. I join Senator Norris in congratulating him. I gather that Senator Barrett made the point that the banking inquiry should not be allowed to fail because it is too important. I know other colleagues cannot be here for the Order of Business because they are working on the banking inquiry. We wish them well with it.

Senator Norris also spoke on the bankruptcy of Sir Anthony O'Reilly and offered his commiseration and concern at the news. He noted the achievements of Tony O'Reilly, particularly in respect of the Ireland Funds and in his attempt to rescue Waterford Glass-Waterford Wedgwood. I join Senator Norris in expressing concern. I have my own family connection to Waterford Glass, which was established by my grandfather in 1946. It was such an iconic brand. Tony O'Reilly's work in trying to rescue it by investing a huge amount money is definitely to be noted and commended.

I also offer congratulations to Senator Norris on his being honoured by Trinity College this Friday. I hope I can say that on the Order of Business without breaching any confidence.