Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell raised yet again the very important matter of home care in the community, independent living and our ageing population. I encourage all Members to read the report compiled by the Senator, as it offers a template or foundation for future policy initiatives for Governments to make, whatever their composition. We are living longer and we are trying to live at home as we age. We must accentuate the home care elements and I hope the budget looks favourably on that matter.

Senator Higgins mentioned liquid petroleum. As the Senator knows, an alternative view has been put forward by the Irish Academy of Engineering. There is a need to recognise that as we move towards a carbon-neutral future and a change in how we live, there is a need for energy security. By 2030, if we go down one road, we would be completely dependent on the United Kingdom for natural gas. Extraction from the Kinsale field will end by 2021 and by 2025, the Corrib field will only provide 20% of our required supply. I would be happy to have a debate on the matter raised by Senator Higgins.

Senator Noone raised the very important matter of a contraceptive scheme and this arises from matters discussed at the committee she eloquently and expertly chaired. Her comments make eminent sense and I hope the Minister for Finance recognises there is more than one method of contraception. There should not just be a focus on the pill, as Senator Noone has indicated. There are other methods that can be far more cost-effective. I am happy to have that debate in a budget discussion with the Minister, when we might also look at the forthcoming finance Bill.