Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 18 Members for their contributions to the Order of Business.

I will begin with Senator Ardagh. I join with the Senator and all Senators in collectively working to ensure that we reduce the incidence of cancer among citizens, friends and family members. It is important that we work together in the national strategy. Whether it is breast cancer, cervical cancer or colorectal cancer, survival rates are improving. I would ask all Members to look at the national healthcare quality reporting system survey for this year which points to the improvement. There have been significant improvements in cancer screening and treatment services. However, I agree with the Senator that we cannot be complacent. If there are gaps or deficiencies then we must immediately fill those posts.

Senator Ardagh makes reference to public service appointments. As the Senator spoke, the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Deputy Kehoe, was announcing permanent recruitment in the Defence Forces. The previous Government ended the moratorium on employment in the public service. The Government is employing people. We have reopened Templemore. We are hiring more gardaí, doctors, nurses and special assistants. There is a need to do a lot more, obviously, but it is important that we continue.

Regarding the fuel allowance, Senator Ardagh makes a good point. I would hope that in the budget in a couple of weeks' time we will see an increase in the fuel allowance. Senator Ardagh is correct that it is a 26-week payment to some of the most vulnerable in society who require to have their houses heated and who want, even in the month of July or August, to have heating on. The Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty, has made changes to the fuel allowance where one can have it paid in two lump sums. There are 410,000 people in receipt of the fuel allowance at a cost of €229 million per year. It is a matter on which we need to see further changes. I am sure the Senator will join with me in welcoming the changes made by the Minister in regard to the fuel allowance.

Senator Boyhan complimented Bord Bia on its food strategy. The remarks the Senator made show that the country, when it is focused, determined and committed, can do quite well. Ireland had a score of 79 out of 100. Bord Bia deserves to be complimented and praised for its work on global food security. I would be happy to have the Minister, Deputy Creed, come to the House in regard to the matter the Senator raised.

Senator Conway-Walsh made reference to the need for more home care packages. The Senator will find agreement from all sides of the House that there must be investment in home care packages, whether it is home help hours or a combination of what the Senator spoke about. All of us in politics recognise the importance of keeping people in their homes in their community and being treated at home, and the Senator will find no opposition from this side of the House in that regard. None of us, certainly on this side of the House, wants to see a privatisation of the service.

As our spokesperson on social protection, Senator Butler has been very strong in advocating on behalf of us with the Minister. The point Senator Conway-Walsh makes is a valid one and I would be happy to support her in that regard.

Senators Grace O'Sullivan, Michael McDowell, Diarmuid Wilson and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to Seanad reform. I discussed it yesterday. There is no ambiguity regarding the Government position. The former Taoiseach set up the implementation group. There has been an acceptance by the Government of the need for Seanad reform. There is a school of thought that, as eminent as Senator McDowell is, his Bill is flawed.