Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Following that, while I accept that there is a real issue in rural areas regarding the school transport service, what must be reviewed at the same time is school catchment areas. Sometimes catchment areas do not overlap correctly with the result that children are refused access to schools. It is a real and urgent matter that we must deal with. We will have to see the Minister work with the Department of Education and Skills to bring forward a solution. I welcome the fact that Senator Lombard has raised the issue today. It is one we need to address quickly. Certainly, he will have my full support on that.

As to the upcoming budget, I note that I am privileged to work with an all-party group on dementia. We have put forward budget proposals detailing approximately €50 million of investment in community supports for people with dementia. While it will be difficult for the Leader to have the Minister attend prior to the budget, I still wish to raise the matter. If the Leader has an opportunity to raise the matter with the Minister, I would appreciate it if he does so. I will give the example of two areas where a small amount of money could make a huge difference. Within our submission, we ask for €1.4 million for dementia advisors to work with families and GPs across the country. That alone would help people to stay within their communities and raise the level of awareness among GPs and families of the available supports. While supports exists, sometimes people find it difficult to access them due to lack of knowledge. Dementia advisors would help in that regard. We have also asked for €3.1 million to provide centres of excellence to support GPs and families. These centres of excellence would be located in primary care centres and could cross over with supports for Down's syndrome also.

If we could get the Minister to come to the House it would be, above all, to discuss home-care packages. We have requested €6 million to provide home-care packages for people with dementia. This is the second budget where there is a bit of wriggle room. This is a growing problem nationally. If we could start this year to provide an additional €6 million towards home-care packages for people with dementia, it would have a real impact for people suffering from this, assist their families and allow people to continue to lead productive lives within their communities. I know time is tight and I will fully understand if the Leader cannot get the Minister to attend within the period. However, if the Leader could raise the matter, I would appreciate it.