Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also join in welcoming students from the Educate Together class. I hope that they enjoy their day today.

There is a lack of nutritional care for those suffering with cancer. We all know that cancer does not discriminate and it will probably darken the door of all our families at some stage. Some 36% of cancer patients experience unintentional weight loss during their treatment, yet one third of these were never seen by a dietitian or provider with any nutritional support, as shown by a new survey by the Irish Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, in collaboration with University College Cork. These findings state that there is a significant gap in care that needs to be addressed relating to nutritional needs of those in receipt of cancer treatment. It pointed out that poor nutritional intake and weight loss in cancer patients is linked to a higher risk of complications, a poorer response to treatments such as chemotherapy, and more worryingly to a reduced survival rate. I call on the Minister for Health to look at this report and see what can be done to increase funding to address the needs of those with cancer, especially their nutritional needs.

With regard to the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme, after much deliberation, the Central Bank reflected that it has no immediate concerns about the State-backed scheme. It is understood that the numbers participating in the scheme equate to 3% of first-time buyer loans issued by regulated financial institutions. Many young people who take part in this scheme find it difficult to secure financing through more traditional banks. This scheme is a great opportunity to allow them to buy their first home. It particularly affects young people. I call on the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in light of the Central Bank's recommendations and comments, to re-fund the scheme and to issue a directive to local authorities to reopen it. There is significant demand for the scheme from young people and it is incumbent on the Minister to do this. Many young people cannot secure finance through the more traditional means because they lack a deposit. They often lack a deposit because they are paying substantial rents. Many people fall in a lacuna which this scheme seems to address. I ask the Minister to reopen the scheme in light of the Central Bank's recommendations.