Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There sure is and it includes Senator Feighan, let me add.

Senator Colm Burke spoke about the health budget and recruitment. It is important to recognise that the Minister, Deputy Harris, has received the biggest allocation in the history of the State in this year's health Vote and more people are employed. The country is in the top five per capitain the world. I agree with the Senator that it is about ensuring that we retain staff. We need to understand it is not just about spending money, but about how we recruit staff, where we recruit them from and where we put them. There is a need for accountability and responsibility in the health budget. It is important to have an honest debate on the health budget. Some people think that allocating money to everything solves the problem; it does not.

The Senator is right on the GP contract and I would be very happy to facilitate a debate in the House on it. In my opinion primary care is the most important part of our health budget and our health process. It is very important to get the new GP contract right. I agree with the Senator on the need for that to be prioritised. If there is a need for an independent chair, let us bring it in.

Senator Noone spoke about Aldi's banning of the energy drink, which I welcome.

Mar fhocal scoir, I welcome our former colleague and friend, Mr. Jim Walsh, to the Public Gallery. He is certainly looking well in his retirement. I know he is probably not retired. I wish him well. It is good to see him.

I thank Members for their participation in the Order of Business.