Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the past week the Parliamentary Budget Office has circulated an analysis - I know we are not dealing here with finance - of the National Training Fund. This was not envisaged to be a long-term fund; it was a tax or tariff on employees. However, I believe it has great scope. This document refers to potential scope for training and apprenticeships, and how this area may be reformed, as has been suggested. It is an important source of funding to assist people in apprenticeships.

I am mindful of the post-Brexit needs in the construction industry for painters, plasterers and decorators. Central Statistics Office data show that many skilled people have emigrated and not returned. We have a major shortage of craftspeople and tradespeople. We need them to rebuild the economy and with greatly needed houses. I ask the Leader to invite the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss the scope of and plans for the National Training Fund.

As an earlier speaker mentioned, today is International Children's Day. I am reminded that under this Government's watch the only six rehabilitation beds for children nationally in the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire remain closed.We have been told there is an issue with employment and contracts but they are still closed and another six have been closed. This means that, today, 12 beds are closed. They closed in January 2017. We are heading into 2019. Many are suggesting that there will be an election and that health will be an issue. I will certainly be banging this drum because I come in here week in and week out to advocate and ask the Government parties to come together and explain how they can stand over 12 closed beds at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. This is nothing short of disgraceful. I can confirm that six of them are the only specialist beds in the country for children.

Will the Leader organise for the Minister - and nobody less - to come to the House? The Minister has ultimate responsibility and will be on our television screens within months standing over his record in health. I support lot of what he does but nobody form any political party could stand over 12 essential rehabilitation beds being closed. Will the Minister come before the House to explain what he is doing about it and when he will put in place the necessary funding to reopen these essential beds?