Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I indicated to Senator Devine, I am not against what she is trying to do and I am quite supportive, as somebody who has been involved with disability in chairing the health committee. I thank the Senator for raising the matter this morning on the Order of Business and for ringing me before the Order of Business.

I understand the difficulties involved for the parents in the situation she has raised. There is no doubt in my mind that parents are the best guardians and the best advocates for their children and they are well aware of the needs of their own children who, as Senators Devine and Humphreys noted, have complex medical needs in this case. I believe there is a partnership approach between the medical staff and the parents who aim to deliver the best outcome for children in terms of care and the pathways to care.

To add to that, prior to the Order of Business I put in a request to the Minister's Department, although I have not got a response yet, which to be fair I expected, given the timeline was quite short. I understand the HSE set up a working group in 2015 to review current policy, practices and the provision of all home care needs for children with complex medical conditions. The review highlighted a number of significant areas where policy and practice required further change, enhancement and movement. Having dealt with the HSE through my constituency office, I know of the matter of care for children. The steering group came back with a recommendation under the national quality package assurance process. Within that, while there is not a parent representative and while I accept my interaction has been limited in this regard, I understand there will be an ongoing process to ensure quality assurance in respect of paediatric home care packages.

I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House next week, rather than divide the House today. The Senators could also, as a matter of urgency, put the matter down as a Commencement matter as they would get the answer from the Minister quickly if they are successful in having a Commencement matter taken tomorrow. It is a very important issue and I am not diluting that. Rather than create a political football out of it, I would be happy to work with the Senators to try to get an answer.The Minister is in the House later today, and I would be happy to talk to him then. Rather than dividing the House and making a political football out of it I would be happy to come back and talk about this again and try to get answers as to how we can help parents. The HSE has made it quite clear and an independent process has been set up. If the Senator can wait until tomorrow or next week I would be happy to talk again about that.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the CAO deadline for applications tomorrow and I wish all the students who are applying every success. It is a very onerous time for students in filling out the CAO application. Many parents in this House understand the pressures of the CAO deadline. Picking a course and thinking about their choices of career is important for young people. Senator Byrne also raised an issue which we as a State have an obligation to look at, namely, apprenticeship schemes and how we can advance apprenticeships in different key parts of our economy. I would be happy to have that debate at a later time.

Senators Leyden and Norris raised the matter of the eighth amendment. I am not quite sure what Senator Leyden wants to debate. We had a very important debate last week on the work of the Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution which was set up by the Oireachtas on foot of the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly. Government made a decision on Monday. As part of the process of the holding of a referendum we will debate the referendum Bill, and I am quite happy to have the debate as part of that. However, there was no secrecy or rush last week. We came back, we sat and we held a debate which was open ended. All Members were welcome to speak on it, irrespective of their viewpoints. I am not sure what Senator Leyden wants to debate now. We will have the debate on the referendum Bill. If legislation is published we will debate it. This is a time for people to reflect upon what the Government has recommended. There are many different viewpoints in this Chamber and among the different political parties. I am well aware of that, but we had a very good and very mature debate last week on this issue, and I commend all the Members of the House on that. We will have the debate as part of the referendum Bill, which will cover what the Senator is looking for, if I understand him correctly.