Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have touched on the matter raised by Senator Gavan.

Senators Boyhan and Colm Burke raised the issues of oncology and consultant posts. Notwithstanding the remarks by Senator Boyhan, it is important to put on the record of the House that national outcomes for cancer patients have improved. While we recognise that there are issues to be addressed, with an economy emerging from recession we will have more money to spend and we can invest wisely in our health system. I hope that part of the Future Health document will address the issues raised by Senators Boyhan and Colm Burke around oncology and consultant posts. This is a matter to which we need to refer back.

As a former member of a health committee, which I chaired, Senator Burke has had regular interventions with the HSE around staff recruitment, staff retention and the need to go to the international market. He has now been proved right. With respect to Senator Boyhan's contribution on cancer, I would say that the number of newly-diagnosed cases is rising by 6% to 7% annually and it is projected to reach nearly 55,000 cases by 2030. As a nation we need to build on the success of the national cancer strategy we adopted in 2006 whereby we have eight centres of excellence. We need to look at how we can reduce the risk of cancer and also have a strategy that reflects upon the needs expressed by Senator Boyhan. I would be happy to have the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, come to the House in that regard.

Senator Lombard raised the subject of the proposed incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork. I believe it is absolutely unacceptable that a decision has been deferred for the fourth time. The process is elongated now by An Bord Pleanála, which I know is independent, but it is a huge imposition on the residents of Ringaskiddy and the adjoining areas of Monkstown and Passage West. This battle has been going on for nearly two decades.We had the oral hearing this time last year. It is understandable that people become cynical and frustrated when they see a board interjecting at this stage for more information. The Senator is right. We need more information.

Senators Dolan and Warfield raised the issue of national and World Down Syndrome Day. I join both Senators in recognising that there is a need to continue to support people with Down's syndrome. The Minister has made changes to the medical card scheme. There is a need to thank the staff of the many organisations who look after people with Down's syndrome, and also to thank their parents and their families, and companies which employ people with Down's syndrome. A number of friends of mine are gainfully employed. I know a young man who is working in a canteen in Cork and it is a great source of joy to him that he can go into work every day, do his job and be recognised as being equal. I know we have a road to travel in this regard and I hope that we can do it.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of the Capuchin day centre, homelessness and poverty. I am happy to have the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, come to the House. The issue will be addressed today when the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Coveney, comes to the House to address the Rebuilding Ireland report.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of the court case yesterday of Mr. Peter Mulryan. I welcome again the fact he has been given access to his files through Tusla and the International Protection Act. I would be happy to have a debate on that issue.

Senator Mark Daly raised the issue of Brazilian beef. I would be happy to have the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Creed, come to the House.

On the Recognition of Irish Sign Language for the Deaf Community Bill, while I think coming in here finger-wagging is not the way to do business, I am quite happy to take the-----