Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to hear that. It is important to recognise the voluntarism of the many thousands across the country who enhance and improve the public realm and without whom, many towns would be a poorer place in which to live.

Senators Tim Lombard and Kevin Humphreys referred to the public school bus system. Senator Kevin Humphreys is correct that there is a need to look at the catchment areas. I commend Senator Tim Lombard for raising the issues in his area.

The issue of the budget for dementia services as raised by Senator Kevin Humphreys is of great importance. Some 55,000 people suffer from dementia and that number is forecast to increase. Since 2014, the Government has allocated €28 million to deal with the matter, of which €21 million will be utilised, with an additional €3 million for home care packages. However, the points outlined by the Senator about dementia support services, centres of excellence and home care packages are valid. Senator Máire Devine asked for honesty. We must ensure the HSE will examine the delivery of home care packages because it is my experience in advocating on behalf of those seeking such packages that there is a blockage in the system which should be addressed as a priority.