Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 22 Members of the House who contributed. Senator Ardagh rightly raised the issue of disability services and the need for continued investment and improvement. It is important to acknowledge that a huge amount of work needs to be done in the area of disability. Notwithstanding that, I acknowledge that the parents who took to the streets this week have in some cases justifiable cause and feel frustrated. People are angry about the level of investment, but it is important to recognise that the Government has a plan and given a commitment. The Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues, Deputy Finian McGrath, sits at the Cabinet table.

In terms of speech and language therapy, the waiting times for assessment and treatment have been significantly reduced due to a targeted programme of investment and a successful waiting list initiative last year. In saying that, it is important to recognise that a huge amount of work remains to be done. As I said yesterday on the Order of Business, the HSE is recruiting and taking people on. One of the key priorities in the 2017 national service plan in terms of the HSE is to improve waiting times for therapy services by changing the model of care. The initiative has proven successful, especially for children who require speech and language therapy. At the same time I recognise that we have difficulties in some of the areas.

I want to put the following on record for the benefit of Members of the House who do not like to hear good news. As I said yesterday, €4 million has been allocated in the 2016 service plan to facilitate the recruitment of speech and language therapists, thus allowing for 83 additional posts to be provided. All efforts have been made by the HSE to ensure those posts are filled and appropriately placed in accordance with the needs of people in different localities and areas. It is important to recognise that there is investment.

As I said yesterday, we have an issue with respite and require a greater model of delivery. Respite care is a source of contention for many of us in the House because it is the most vulnerable who need access to respite care to give their families a break. This issue is not about families going off on a holiday but giving them a break. It is also about giving a care model. Senator Ardagh mentioned respite care, and I hope that we will see a significant change in the current respite care model because there is a need to have that model changed. I am anxious, as I am sure other Senators are, to see that prioritised by the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath.

Senators Boyhan and Feighan raised the issue of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Senator Boyhan is right in terms of the issue of acute beds. There needs to be a step-down facility and a greater investment in primary care. The investment plan for the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire must be prioritised and not put on the long finger. I am happy to invite the Minister to the House to discuss the matters.

Senator Mac Lochlainn raised the important issue of diabetes an the challenge it poses to the health system. He is quite right in that. Senator Ray Butler is an example of how one can challenge a diagnosis of diabetes. He deserves great credit for the work he has done, through his own story, to promote the issue of diabetes. There are 225,000 people who live with diabetes in this country and, therefore, it is imperative and critical that services are maintained. I am unfamiliar with the issue raised but Senator Mac Lochlainn might send me a note that I can pass to the Minister. He might also consider tabling a Commencement matter on it because it is an important matter. This is about care of patients, whether by a GP in a primary care setting or in a hospital. There needs to be greater awareness and support given in the context of diabetes. The Senator is right in that and I would be happy to push that with him with the Minister in question.

Senator Kelleher raised the issue of Cork University Maternity Hospital. It is important to highlight that the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, at a meeting held in January, gave a commitment to deliver key parts of a service upgrade in the hospital. Senator Colm Burke and I met him on numerous occasions. I welcome very much the appointment of Professor John Higgins as clinical director of CUMH. This week, as the hospital celebrates the tenth anniversary of its opening, the Minister made the significant announcement of the allocation of extra moneys to provide more staff, a one-stop-shop for day care services and the opening of a new theatre. All of these initiatives will lead to better outcomes for women and infants who use the hospital. It is a good news story. The Government is committed to investing in Cork University Maternity Hospital, which I welcome. In terms of Senator Kelleher's Private Members' Bill tonight, I thank all Members for raising the matter. We will see how the debate unfolds.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the SUSI grant for postgraduates. I welcome the announcement that the initiative will lead to grants being awarded to postgraduate students. As she rightly said, it is about encouraging further education and going beyond the primary degree. We all welcome that. I also join the Senator in congratulating Peter Furey on his award and win in the Doodle for Google competition. It is good to see young people being innovative and creative.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of the FAI ladies' international football team, something we discussed yesterday on the Order of Business.I think it is a source of disappointment to all of us seeing the story unfold and listening to the commentary that the team had to hold a press conference yesterday to promulgate its annoyance and its views on the lack of support from the FAI. Perhaps the FAI will contend that there are two sides to every story and that it has made an attempt to intervene and mediate. However, it is important we recognise, as I said yesterday, that these are athletes of the highest calibre performing for our country and they deserve our respect and support. It is important that taxpayers' money is spent on the women's team as well as the men's team.

Senators Craughwell and Wilson again raised the Defence Forces and the issue of the National Security Committee. I reiterate the point I made yesterday. I extended to Senator Craughwell an invitation to meet the Department officials, which still stands. We need to stop playing to the gallery on national security.