Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will have to make the Minister of State an honorary member of the Seanad at this point. We are all aware that this will be the toughest winter we have ever faced in our health services and in society. We all need to be prepared for the huge pressure that will be placed on our health service at every level. I acknowledge the Government's determination to meet the challenges head-on, the huge investment of an additional €600 million and the very concrete actions outlined in the winter plan. I recognise that all our healthcare workers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and they deserve every support we can give them as they face into their busiest and most difficult time of the year. I also recognise the huge mental health effects Covid-19 has had on so many people of all ages in all sectors of Irish society. We have to be mindful of how a winter of restrictions and anxiety will affect people who struggle with mental health.

The Minister of State spoke about GPs. In many developing towns, when new people arrive they cannot get access to a GP. That is happening quite a bit in Newbridge, Kildare and Athy.Ballymore Eustace is in the Kildare South constituency and the medical centre there has been closed for six months, with no sign of it reopening. People who live there are forced to go to Blessington, which is in another county. Bearing in mind all the restrictions, this seems absolutely ridiculous. Two new housing developments are planned and we absolutely need that centre open.

I again welcome the ten additional dementia advisers provided for under the winter plan, which will bring their numbers to 28. I know that absolutely comes from the Minister of State's influence. The roll-out of community specialist teams to support older people and those with chronic diseases is a major positive and the number of acute beds has doubled. We also have doubled the number of home support hours, which is positive.

I raise the matter of breast and cervical cancer screening under the winter plan. We are all aware of the hidden health cost of Covid-19 and the unfortunate delays in care for cancer patients. There are backlogs and lengthening delays in hospital waiting lists for appointments. I am aware that Dr. Colm Henry, chief clinical officer with the HSE, has said this will be cleared by spring next year but I am concerned that the pace must be increased.

I thank the Minister of State for her time. I am absolutely happy to support the winter plan.