Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Devine mentioned Kevin McCarthy, the consultant paediatric pain specialist who has tendered his resignation. It is an important post. I am not familiar with the exact reasons he resigned other than what I read in the newspapers this morning. The Department of Health, the HSE and the hospital group are, I am sure, working actively on that.

It is important to recognise that there is a significant investment of €17 billion in our health system. The report from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health showed that there are almost 138,000 employed in the HSE. A real question needs to be asked about where the €17 billion is going and how it is that we cannot deliver better outcomes for people because of the way we spend our money. The Senator will agree with me that €17 billion of taxpayers' money is a significant budget for the health system and we still have issues in that sector. It is not a question of throwing money at it but of reforming the structure and activating and expediting Sláintecare. I will invite the Minister for Health to come to the House in due course to discuss the matter.

Senator Conway spoke about today's report on direct provision, which I have not read, and the 43 recommendations. We had a very good debate here last week on direct provision and I will be happy to have the Minister come back to update the House.

The issue of the national lottery is very worrying on two fronts. First, an internal audit discovered there was an anomaly in several of its games. Second, we need to question the role of the regulator, as Senator Conway said. It is unacceptable that the national lottery can come back now and say it has spotted this anomaly and is going to apologise. Confidence in it needs to be restored. We did sell it off but that decision has worked in other jurisdictions.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of the price of beef. The point she makes this morning is a very reasonable one, on the issue of the meat factories giving a just price to the farmers. I appeal to all Members of the House and those watching and listening today to shop in their local butchers this Christmas, to support our small indigenous industries because through our support we can galvanise local economies. There is a need for the beef task force to sit down. I appeal to those involved in the talks to recognise the role of agriculture. As Senator Mullen said, we have opened new markets, particularly in China, but it is important that our farmers, whom we all support, are recognised.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of human rights in China and how we and any government around the world engages with the Chinese authorities, given their lack of respect for human rights, minorities and other groupings. It is a good point. We need to be balanced. As the Senator says, we cannot just send a strongly worded letter and expect that to be okay. More needs to be done and I support the Senator in that view. I would be happy to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade back to the House on that matter.

Senator Paddy Burke referred to the documentary last night on RTÉ regarding the role of undertakers in our society. It showed the care and compassion of the undertaker at a very stressful and emotive time for many families. I join the Senator in congratulating and thanking all our undertakers. He also referred to passive homes and the multiplier for mortgages. This House does not have a way to invite the Central Bank but I would be happy to have the Minister for Finance or one of the Ministers of State in that Department come to the House to discuss it.