Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Speaking of payrolls, I ask the Deputy Leader to invite to the House the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Michael McGrath, to facilitate a debate and provide us with an update on the public sector pay talks that have unfortunately stalled. I hope all in the House will join me in asking both sides to return to the table so we can have a collective public sector pay deal, which is the only show in town. These are the most important pay talks of recent times. I hope the Minister can come to the House and that the House can play a role in facilitating the return to talks. We need a public sector pay deal.

I have made the point a number of times on the Order of Business that the budget in October will be important. Rising inflation and energy costs are having a gargantuan impact on the lives of ordinary people who are struggling. It is not just the Opposition saying this. It is all of us who live in the real world and know from people and our families the experiences they are having. Accepting that the Government has made exceptional interventions in recent months, the budget in October is a long time away. I accept the Government cannot chase inflation but it can intervene, make a determination and have an impact to help people. I hope we can have this debate again and that the Government will listen to all of us, notwithstanding that there have been interventions and that the budget is in October.

I concur with Senator Clonan on the matters he raised. There is a real need for a whole-of-government approach with the HSE on the specialisms he has spoken about this morning. I know from friends of mine and family members about the regression that has happened during Covid and about the lack of a joined-up approach since Covid by agencies dealing with the issues Senator Clonan has raised this morning. Last Monday week in Cork, we had a briefing from the HSE. This issue is something on which the House should have a rolling debate in advance of the budget with the line Minister.

The Cathaoirleach has been very innovative in his approach to reform of the Seanad. The following point might be something to reflect on. I am not sure whether we can do it but the HSE should be brought somewhere with regard to accountability and a roadmap for disability services and the issues we have raised this morning. We can say and do so much. To be fair, the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is doing a very good job but there is a piece missing and it needs to be joined up by the Government with the people for the people. Senator Clonan is right that it is about people. I use the phrase an gnáthduine. If we cherish all of our children equally, then those who need services should not have to wait, beg or go to court. At a time when the Government is throwing money at the HSE, I ask that we look at this. Perhaps the Cathaoirleach could be innovative in his approach but I am not sure whether he can.