Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am going to come back to that. I will do it now as we had that discussion yesterday. I made reference to the fact that we hope to have the debate on the report in the House. We are trying to get a slot for it. We heard a number of contributions on the matter yesterday during the Order of Business. As I said yesterday, it is fine to have a tribunal established, but what we need is responsibility, accountability and transparency with regard to the way people were treated. This woman was treated disgracefully by our State. As the Taoiseach said yesterday, an apology should be given. Not only that, there should be a clear understanding that this can never be allowed to happen again.

Senators Norris, McDowell and Devine called for debate. I will allow for the debate when it comes to the debate on the Bill from Senator Lawless relating to the sale or non-sale of alcohol on Good Friday. I respect the views of all sides of the House with regard to the sale of alcohol on Good Friday. I hope we will have a full and frank exchange during the debate. There will be diverging views. We will have that debate in due course.

I agree with Senator Colm Burke on the issue of the use of nursing homes. He is right to articulate and advocate the figures from Nursing Homes Ireland. Senator Burke stated 834 beds are available in 210 nursing homes today. It makes absolute economic and political sense, not to mention the advantages for the health and well-being of the senior citizens involved, that we should work with Nursing Homes Ireland to be able to utilise those beds. Senator Burke is right. We need more step-down facilities. This is one of the greatest deficits in our health system. Those of us who have clinics and who deal with people know it. The question of step-down facilities for a one-week or two-week convalescence is a major problem. I share Senator Burke's views in that regard.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of Ava Twomey. Again, I commented on the issue yesterday on the Order of Business. It is important that the case of Vera and Ava Twomey is highlighted again in the House today. The Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, has given a commitment with regard to compassionate access around medical cannabis. The Minister cannot write the prescription or make the diagnosis. There is a need for more engagement on this matter.

Senator Murnane O'Connor raised the issue of the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, and medical cards. The Senator is not right regarding the issue of medical cards on discretionary grounds. Discretion is available and it is utilised by the PCRS and the HSE. I call on Senator Murnane O'Connor to bring the matter to the attention of the people involved. A scheme is available.

It is important to welcome the change for 400,000 pensioners and medical card holders. Prescription charges are being reduced from €2.50 to €2 per item and to a maximum of €20 per month. It is a good news day for those people and I welcome the move.

I am not familiar with the issue raised by Senator Devine on the loophole for roaming charges. Perhaps she could raise the matter in a Commencement debate. If she does not, I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House.

Senator Lombard referenced the issue of the Brexit committee and the report from the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I commend all those involved and hope that we can utilise the report as part of the work of the Seanad Brexit committee. It is important to note that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have appointed their Seanad spokesperson on agriculture to that committee. I am unsure whether Sinn Féin or the Independent Members have done so. I am unsure who their representatives are. The move highlights the importance of agriculture in the whole Brexit negotiations.