Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I almost missed my speaking slot because I was in my office fielding phone calls, text messages and emails from very happy people today. It was an excellent budget. There is a lot in it and we are all still going through what is in it. The really big headline measures that have jumped out for me are the IVF funding and the contraception scheme being extended, which are revolutionary steps forward.

We were laggards in Europe with regard to IVF funding. This is excellent news and gives families and couples hope during a very bleak stage. It is a very private matter to talk about but we have had Members of this House talk about their own IVF struggles and beyond. Those conversations that we have had in recent years have helped to move this as a political issue and made the Government realise how desperately needed are IVF funding and other supports around infertility. I commend the Minister for Health and the entire Government on moving forward on IVF funding.

The contraception scheme was something I had been campaigning on last year. We were delighted to get it going and there was a promise to roll it out to the other age categories. It is fantastic that, with the scheme just having commenced, we are in a position to roll it out to older age categories. I look forward to further progress in the coming years.

Cariban is a drug that I have spoken about ad nauseamin this House and beyond. I actually took Cariban during my second pregnancy and I know how vital it is for some people who are going through a very difficult pregnancy. It was a complete anomaly. I know there are some very happy campaigners out there today. I have a question which the Minister of State might clarify or he might get somebody in the Department to clarify it. When does the reimbursement begin in regard to Cariban? Is it immediately or is it at a future date? I would appreciate it if he could look into that for me.

With regard to the VAT on hormone replacement therapy, HRT, products, again, this is another part of the puzzle in closing the health inequalities faced by women in this country. It is a very positive step forward, as is the VAT measure on period products. Most period products had no VAT but some had, so this is a welcome step forward. It all goes towards addressing the cost-of-living crisis we are going through. All of these measures I have outlined will help families to get through this very difficult period.

My speaking time is limited but I want to touch on education issues. I believe the free books scheme will be as revolutionary as Donogh O'Malley’s step forward in granting free second level education to the people of Ireland all those years ago. It brings more equality and will eliminate the panic and dread parents feel all through the summer before children return to school. Even from a headspace point of view, it is sometimes very difficult for parents who have a couple of kids in different classes to try to co-ordinate who needs what and fit that in around a busy family life. This will simplify things for families and provide equality and equity when everybody is getting their books from their teacher in school. That is excellent.

The refund of the registration fee has brought huge sighs of relief from many families who just this week and last week sent students to third level education. We in Fianna Fáil have always supported access to all levels of education but to third level especially. There are barriers to entry for many families, especially if students have to leave their home and come to cities like Dublin, Cork or Galway and pay huge sums in accommodation costs.This is a very welcome break for those families who are working hard. Students who have done the leaving certificate and been very successful are looking to their future and want to add to their knowledge and skill base. This is a boost and a shot in the arm for them.

There is very little to find fault with in the budget. I commend the work of the Government in delivering it. We can face into the winter with a bit more confidence. We know the Government has our back and understands the needs of ordinary people and businesses. My colleague Senator Davitt referred to various business supports and I will not refer back to them. They are very welcome. They will keep the doors of businesses open and will keep people employed.