Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the stadium at Casement Park in Belfast. As the Taoiseach will know, this is a flagship Executive project. Indeed, it is a key and a joint commitment, not just among the parties of the Executive but between Dublin and London as well. The Taoiseach will also be aware that the opportunity to be part of hosting the Euro 2028 was cited as a further incentive to get this project done. I am very concerned that the current British Government, the Tory Government, is walking off the pitch with a bag full of broken promises. I ask the Taoiseach to reiterate today the commitment in respect of funding for this project, the delivery of this project and the expectation here in Dublin that, no matter who is in No. 10 Downing Street, this commitment will be honoured in full, the stalling, the delay, the bad faith and the broken promises will end and that we will see Casement Park constructed in west Belfast.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McDonald for raising the issue. I absolutely assure the Deputy that the Government has been very clear that we want to see a redeveloped Casement Park delivered in time to host the Euro 2028 games. That is why our funding commitment was confirmed in February. As the Deputy will know, the Casement Park redevelopment is owned and managed by the GAA, working with the Northern Ireland Executive. It is for these partners to confirm the overall funding approach to deliver the redeveloped stadium. While it is for UEFA to confirm this point, it is understood that its decision in principle regarding the hosting of Euro 2028 matches at the redeveloped Casement Park in Belfast will be made in the coming weeks. We remain absolutely committed to this being the case and I intend to pursue this matter and work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Workers from the national advocacy service are striking today. They provide an essential service for disabled persons and for adults with disabilities, and yet these staff do not receive fair pay. They have exhausted all means for addressing their low-pay issues. They have been to the Workplace Relations Commission and to the Labour Court. A recommendation for a pay rise has been made and yet we understand that management is refusing to implement it. We know the strike will have a major impact on disabled people who rely on the staff of the national advocacy service to assist them in crucial tasks. We have called on the Government to intervene to demand that an organisation that is fully State funded would respect the recommendation that has been made. We need to see action taken to resolve this dispute and to protect the vital services being provided by the staff of the national advocacy service. Can the Taoiseach reassure the House that every action is being taken by his Government to resolve this issue urgently?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can indeed. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I want to see this issue resolved, as does the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. I know the excellent work the national advocacy service does and the Deputy is quite right to outline it. My understanding is that efforts continued late into the night to try to avert this strike and all parties were involved in the process, including officials from the Minister's Department and representatives from the CIB. I do not say this to be critical, but I understand the unions did not feel they were in a position to call off the strike on that occasion. I do hope, however, that the discussions could continue during the course of today. Let us get people back into the process.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The recent interview with the Minister for agriculture demonstrated everything that is wrong with the Government's approach to agriculture and climate change. When he was asked about the nitrates derogation, the Minister was clear. He said he was not even contemplating a scenario in which Ireland loses its derogation. How can a Minister proudly declare he is not going to plan for what is a very likely outcome? We all know that agricultural run-off is primarily responsible for damaging water quality and biodiversity. It is a reality the Government needs to face up to. We have more evidence today from another EPA report that found water quality remains in crisis. It found that there has been no overall improvement in water quality despite efforts having been made, and time is running out to fix this. The Taoiseach knows the derogation cannot last, so why is his Government pretending otherwise? Denying reality and leading farmers to a cliff edge again will only devastate more family farms.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

When is the Government going to do its job and how will it support derogation farmers to change their ways?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not agree at all with the Deputy in relation to saying we know the derogation is not going to continue. It is absolutely Ireland's position at a European level to continue to seek to maintain this derogation, and this is the position I, as Taoiseach, will take at the European Council when these issues arise. I am concerned that this is not a position the Deputy would take if she were in government, because I fully agree that we do need to improve water quality. I share the concerns expressed by the EPA that there is no indication yet of an overall net improvement in water quality. We do, though, have a particular and unique grass-based system here. In Ireland, our climate and our soils do justify the derogation and I do not think we should suggest it is a matter of improved water quality or of keeping the derogation. We need to improve water quality while maintaining the derogation. This is what the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, is going to lead the Government's efforts on, namely, bringing together a task force composed of representatives from the industry, farmers, Departments and others. As one example, we have seen the use of chemical fertiliser decline by around 30% in two years. We do have a lot to do on water quality, but I do believe it is possible to improve water quality and to maintain the derogation.

Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to return to the report of the Low Pay Commission that recommended the abolition of all sub-minimum wage rates for all employees. I think we all agree that there is age discrimination in pay in this country. People who are 16 get 30% less in pay than those who are 18 and doing the same job, which is bizarre. This time last year, People Before Profit brought forward a Bill to address all these anomalies in pay. As the famous chef used to say, here is one I prepared earlier. Our proposed legislation could be enacted with the goodwill of the Government. We would hope it would consider our Bill in terms of the overall restructuring of low pay in this country.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for preparing one earlier. I also thank him for raising this issue, as I know he does regularly. The position of the Government now is to consider the Low Pay Commission's report, which I think was published yesterday. The Minister, Deputy Burke, and the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, will give it consideration and carry out an economic assessment. The report will be considered in the context of a range of issues in advance of the budget. We expect to be in a position to deliver the Government's response in advance of budget day.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I met representatives of the INTO this morning in Buswells Hotel where they were doing a presentation. I have also had calls from many school principals about the capitation grant they are getting. It is €200 per child, and it has been at this level for 13 years. The ancillary services grant is also dated. It is true to say the Government has provided once-off funding post Covid to help these schools but they are now at a stage where they need the capitation and ancillary grants to be increased. This is because they cannot afford to employ their caretakers or to do anything outside of normal spending. They are actually using the reserves they have to try to pay for running costs in schools. This is something that needs to be looked at in the long term in the budget. The capitation and ancillary grants need to be updated by an amount that will make the difference between survival and not.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. I think the budgetary process gets earlier every year. I very much understand the serious issues raised by the INTO and I thank the organisation for doing so. From my engagement with schools, I know the cost pressures they are facing are real. The Government does, obviously, want to help support our schools. The way we will do this, obviously, will be through the budget. I think we have good form in this regard because the Deputy referred to the extra funding we provided to deal with Covid costs. There was also the unparalleled capital budget in terms of school extensions, expansions and refurbishments. Significant improvements have also been made in pupil-teacher ratios, SNA numbers and special educational needs. We will look at all the issues around how best to support our schools in the budget. I thank the INTO for its submission today.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

When are the Taoiseach and his Government going to do something with Uisce Éireann? From the very initial constitution of that entity and the transposition of the infrastructure, the organisation never took over the combined sewers underneath and behind houses. Today, I speak about Cashel Road in Tipperary town. I mention the late Councillor Christy Kinahan, who is being buried tomorrow. A large number of older residents, living in houses that are up to 110 years old or even older, have a major problem with sewage and Irish Water will not look at it and will not go near it. The county council says it is an Uisce Éireann problem.

I have seen photographs and they are horrific. You would not see that amount of sewage in houses in a Third World country. Insurance companies talk about condemning the houses. This is not only happening in Tipperary town, it is happening in every town and in some villages in County Tipperary, and every place else. They have to go back to the drawing board. I introduced a Private Members' Bill to try and get the legislation changed. The same thing happened in England and the legislation was changed. Uisce Éireann must look after the infrastructure that was put in by the councils when these houses were built, in some places it was 100 or 200 years ago. There are old pipes underneath houses and extensions. Could someone please do something for the people who are in this situation?

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this issue. I join him in extending sympathy to the family of Councillor Christy Kinahan at this difficult time. I will ask the Minister for housing to specifically consider the issues he raised regarding Tipperary and the broader impact and revert to him directly.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, Family Carers Ireland published its report, The State of Caring 2024. One of its asks was to abolish the means test for carers. I listened to the Taoiseach yesterday. He responded more than once to questions on this matter. He said that right now the Government is making changes to the income disregard for carers. That is right but, let us be clear, the outworking of last year's budget means that carers had to wait until 6 June 2024 to see an increase in the income disregard for carer's allowance. While it is welcome, it is long overdue. At one time, the income disregard for carer's allowance was the same as the average industrial wage. At a minimum, we need to reinstate that position. Further, family carers are also asking that the means test would be abolished over the next three years to 2027 when a participation income can be put in place.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas. I call the Minister, Deputy Humphreys.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I would like to ask the Minister for her perspective on that.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this issue. I am delighted that today we have expanded the income limits for the means test for carers to €900 for a couple per week and €450 for a single person. We continue to work with the carers' groups and we will continue to do so. We have made some significant changes, in particular in terms of a pension for long-term carers, which was introduced earlier this year. A lot of work is going on in that space. There is a working group currently looking at it, between officials in the Department of Health and in my own Department. We will continue to engage with them.

Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Dunmanway and Clonakilty are two of the most important towns in my constituency. They are separated by about 20 km. It takes just over 20 minutes to drive from Clonakilty to Dunmanway, for example, but if I want to take a bus there tomorrow, it would take me about two hours because I would have to go via Bandon. What the people of Dunmanway and Clonakilty need is a direct bus service between the towns.

Speaking of Dunmanway, I congratulate the organisers of the Feel the Force festival. It is a "Star Wars" themed festival and it was a great success. There were Wookiees, Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights. I am not sure if Harrison Ford, Natalie Portman, George Lucas or Mark Hamill watched all proceedings but if they are listening, I ask that they would attend the festival next year, as it will be on again. Perhaps the Taoiseach could reach out to them and invite them to come to Dunmanway to the Feel the Force "Star Wars" festival next year.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am not sure if I would have any success but I am happy to advocate on Deputy O'Sullivan's behalf. I congratulate the organisers of Feel the Force. I take the serious point he makes about Dunmanway and Clonakilty at a time when we are trying to encourage people to be able to use more public transport. We need to do more in particular in rural Ireland. I know the Minister, Deputy Ryan, is very committed to this. I will raise with him directly the point on the need for that direct bus service. May the force be with you.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I hosted Families for Reform of CAMHS. What we learned is that, under this Government's watch, CAMHS waiting lists have reached a record high, CAMHS beds have reached a record low, and children with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems are falling through the cracks. Children with dual diagnosis of mental health issues and autism are being passed from pillar to post and children with ADHD are waiting far too long for treatment. Families for Reform of CAMHS informed us that the mental health of 92% of children deteriorates while they are waiting for a referral to be processed and the mental health of 74% of children deteriorates while they are waiting for an appointment. One parent said that fighting for her son to get support has broken them as parents and they cannot even imagine how their son feels.

Despite the Taoiseach's earlier response to Deputy McDonald, there is a recruitment embargo in CAMHS. Such is the concern about this embargo, the Psychiatric Nurses' Association is balloting its members. Will the Government lift this embargo immediately because children just cannot wait any longer?

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ward very much for his question. To reiterate what the Taoiseach said already, while there is a moratorium in some areas, as the Deputy is aware, there is no moratorium on consultants or newly recruited trained nurses. This year, 130 whole-time equivalents will be recruited into mental health services, with 80% of them predominantly going into CAMHS. There is no moratorium in this regard. This is recurring funding, which means it will be in place again next year.

I met with the HSE and Department two weeks ago. Recruitment is under way and we will continue to work to do everything we can to strengthen all 76 CAMHS teams throughout the country. However, it is fair to point out as well that last year CAMHS teams allocated 225,000 appointments to young people the length and breadth of the country. I understand there are some difficulties with children who have dual diagnosis but we are working hard to try to make sure the pathways are clearer.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following on from the briefing I requested from the Library and Research Service on the provision of extra time for dyspraxia accommodation in State exams by Dr. Etaoine Howlett, senior parliamentary researcher, I ask that a full review would be conducted on the current State Examinations Commission's position regarding extra time for students with dyspraxia. At present, under the current rule, ten minutes' extra time may be granted per exam. However, students with dyspraxia who are currently not eligible for additional time have campaigned for more time to complete exams. In fact, the Dyspraxia DCD Ireland has garnered more than 20,000 signatures demanding extra time. Currently, Ireland is an outlier on this issue when compared with students with dyspraxia in countries such as France, Italy and England. Will the Taoiseach agree to hold a full review on this issue?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Mythen very much for raising the issue and for the work he has done with the Library and Research Service. I will undertake to ensure the report he commissioned is considered by the State Examinations Commission. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, to do that as well. I am conscious that we all hear in our constituencies as well about the issue of students with dyspraxia, and the issue of students with dyslexia. If Deputy Mythen wants to send me the report, I will make sure it goes to the right place.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

For a long time, as the Minister for Social Protection is aware, I have been making a case for the reform of the means testing of social welfare payments and how the system operates. Many of the provisions in that regard date back a long time and a lot of the disregards have not changed over time, although some have. I did very much welcome the setting up by the Minister of a review of means testing, which was initially promised by the end of last year. Will the Taoiseach or the line Minister outline when it is intended to publish this report and whether its recommendations will be considered in the context of this year's budget or if we will lose another year in bringing about vital and necessary reform?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Cuív for raising this matter, which he has raised with me on a number of occasions. I have just come from a management board meeting that took place earlier this morning where I raised the very same issue the Deputy has raised with me. The answer is that I will have the report very shortly. I am happy to share it with him. He has brought forward a number of suggestions to me and I have asked that they would be included. I know it is something on which the Deputy and I are very much of like mind. We want to move things on. We have improved on some of the recommendations, such as those relating to carers. We have increased the amount of capital we had for various schemes, but there are a few areas we really need to look at. I am happy to share the review with the Deputy. I expect to have it in the next week or two.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A decade ago we had 1.8 million at work and adding 100,000 to that was deemed wildly optimistic. Today, we have 1 million more at work than then. What we need is a strategy to build the capacity of the public service to deliver for this bigger and more ambitious working population. We need to build at scale, both public infrastructure, the move to net zero, and harnessing AI. This is an incredible opportunity but it needs bolder ambition and greater innovation. I welcomed the Taoiseach's signalling at the national dialogue that we need to build the capacity of the public service. How is that to be done?

Does the Taoiseach anticipate a White Paper in this sphere? There is huge opportunity in this regard, not least in an area, health, with which he is familiar. Predictive health capabilities and better management of conditions could be transformative.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. If is fair comment that there are many people at work today thanks to the work he, as Minister, did on the Action Plan for Jobs and the like when this country was in the depths of recession. That effort showed how, when we put the focus on employment and enterprise, real progress can be made. I thank him for that.

I made the comments to which he referred at the national economic dialogue because we need to right-size the State. I do not believe the public service is of adequate size or where it needs to be in terms of reform and modern delivery. I cited examples of good practice, such as the passport online service, and other examples of services that are nowhere near where they need to be. As a country, we face both the challenges and opportunities of a growing population. We need to make sure we harness the opportunities. I have asked my officials to consider exactly how best to take matters forward and answer the question as to what should be the appropriate size and operation of public services in Ireland into the future. I will get back to the Deputy when I have a final view on how to take matters forward.

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise the pressing necessity of granting or designating independence to Gaelcholáiste An Chláir in Ennis. The matter is so pressing because the school first submitted its application in 1994. We can all agree that, 30 years on, it is high time it received that designation. There is an accommodation crisis in second level schools in Ennis. In fact, all schools locally, when surveyed by the education and training board, ETB, welcomed the establishment of an independent Gaelcholáiste. There are four Gaelscoileanna in the area at primary level, with approximately 700 pupils. Three of those schools are located outside Ennis, in Shannon, Moy and Kilrush. They are being deprived of access to the free school transport scheme because of their current designation as part of an English-medium school under the roll number of Ennis Community College. On 2 October 2021, the Minister, Deputy Foley, said the matter was under consideration. Can we move ahead with ensuring the school has a roll number and designation for the coming September?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am not aware of the details of this case but it sounds like the school has been waiting an extraordinarily long time and there has been an extraordinarily long campaign. I will talk directly to the Minister, Deputy Foley, about it. We are very eager to support the development of Gaelcholáistí, particularly where there is such a demand. I will ask the Minister to revert to the Deputy on the matter.

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach said earlier to Deputy Canney that he will not wash his hands of the people of Galway. That is great news. However, the Government has washed its hands of retained firefighters in this country. I question its commitment to them. Retained firefighters had to return yesterday to the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, because of the failure by the Government to deliver the commitments it gave. The offer it put on the table is a pittance and an insult to the retained firefighters who put their lives at risk for us every day of the week. Why is the Government forcing them to go back looking for the money it promised them? It is going to force them back out on the picket line. They had massive support on the previous occasion and I guarantee that support is still there. I urge the Government to be very careful not to push things too far. We learned yesterday that 72% of family carers are looking for a commitment on respite. What is the Government's intentions for firefighters?

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Deputy. The Taoiseach to respond, please.

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will we have just words again or will the Taoiseach act to support the people who put their lives on the line for us every day of the week?

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that we fully support the retained firefighters and our firefighters generally. We very much value their work. It is important that the value of that work is recognised in their terms and conditions. I know of the incredible work they do in my county and across the country. Following acceptance of the WRC agreement last September, the Department of public expenditure agreed the retainer payment made to retained firefighters could be examined in the next round of pay talks. During the pay talks, stakeholders agreed the following position: "The parties commit to remain in process with a view to concluding the current retainer and associated attendance commitments for retained firefighters." Officials in the Department of housing and the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, are leading the engagement with staff representatives to conclude the process. Parties were unable to reach a positive conclusion on 31 May and the matter was referred to the WRC. All parties continue to work together on full implementation. We remain absolutely committed to seeing out that process.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is a minimum wage in this country but the law allows an employer to pay below it if the worker in question is under the age of 20. It is legal to pay a 19-year-old 90% of the minimum wage, an 18-year-old 80% and those aged 17 and under just 70%. Yesterday, the Low Pay Commission unanimously recommended that the Government abolish these sub-minimum pay rates. Instead of embracing that proposal, the Minister for enterprise said he would have to apply the SME test before making recommendations to the Cabinet. The Taoiseach's comments earlier on this matter were not satisfactory. There are no circumstances that justify paying an 18-year-old €10.16 an hour in this day and age. There are no circumstances that justify discriminating against a 19-year-old when he or she performs the same work as a 20-year-old. There is never an excuse for exploitation. Will the Taoiseach commit today to implementing the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission by 1 January? It is the right thing to do.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

First, I do not believe employers in cafés, restaurants and hotels, of whom we all know many in our communities, are exploiting younger people. They give them opportunities by providing them with summer jobs and part-time work while they are in college. I do not see any evidence of exploitation. The Deputy should reflect very carefully on that charge. It is a very strong charge to make against small and medium businesses in his constituency. I reject it out of hand. The Government follows process. The Low Pay Commission has produced a report. We will consider that report and make a decision in advance of the budget. That is the normal process.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Narrow West Street in Drogheda is an historic street that goes back to medieval times. At the moment, neither traffic nor pedestrians can access it because unscrupulous developers bought and held on to a listed building dating from 1760, which must now be demolished because it has fallen into a very dangerous state. The Derelict Sites Act must be overhauled and action must be taken. Historic buildings and streetscapes must not be allowed to fall into the utter dereliction we see on Narrow West Street. I appreciate the Taoiseach's interest in and knowledge of Drogheda and his commitment to meeting people there. It is absolutely unforgivable that somebody can hold on to buildings and let them fall into dereliction and be demolished by the council without facing any penalty. One of the penalties must be that all costs the council has to bear will be paid by the developer. As with Drogheda Grammar School, I will fight to ensure the building on Narrow West Street rises again from the dust and debris and that the same thing is not allowed to happen to other historic buildings in this country.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have no doubt the Deputy will do so. I know his passion for his town of Drogheda and his passion for this issue. I will talk to the relevant Minister to see what the plans are regarding the Derelict Sites Act. I look forward to meeting very shortly with the Deputy and representatives of the community in Drogheda to talk about the task force we have discussed. We really need to finish the job in regard to Drogheda. We have had the Drogheda implementation board. I do not think the people of the town have been listened to on all occasions by all agencies of the State. I want to work with the Deputy on the task force idea we discussed a few weeks ago.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Staff of Recovery Haven in Tralee, who are representing 26 cancer support centres, are in the audiovisual room today. They offer psychological and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. Unfortunately, in our ageing population, one in two people will suffer from cancer. The Recovery Haven centre in Tralee is dealing with 70 new cases this month, following 44 in May and 58 in April. The organisation is seeking a commitment to an allocation of €5.5 million in core funding in the 2025 budget. In 2024, the 26 member groups that operate centres throughout the country had an operating cost of €11.1 million. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree with me on the importance of these types of cancer support centres. Families going through the journey of cancer need support, psychologically, emotionally and in every way.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach to respond.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I know at first hand the great work this organisation does in Tralee. I commend its staff on it.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I thank the representatives of Recovery Haven for being here in Leinster House today. The Deputy is right that we need to support these groups. That is why we made the relevant allocation in the budget. Without meaning to speak for Recovery Haven, my understanding is that it is asking for its funding to be increased and to become core funding in order that it can plan for the future. It certainly sounds logical to be able to give it that clarity into the future. It is a key part of our national cancer strategy to recognise that such groups are crucial partners, with the State, in supporting patients and their families on their cancer journey. I thank Recovery Haven for its work. I will work with the Deputy and colleagues across the House on this matter in advance of the budget.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The home help service is a hugely valuable service throughout the country that is enabling people to stay longer in their homes.

Families and people who avail of the service build up a rapport with the home help staff they have been working with for two, three, four or maybe ten years. Now, the HSE has, in its wisdom, said that it will rotate the home care assistants and that they will only be working with a patient for one week out of every three or four. There would be no continuity in the care that is provided in people's homes. It is a retrograde step and I ask the Taoiseach and Government to look at it. I think the rapport that is built up gives comfort to the patient and builds up a rapport with the home care assistant too. I would like to have that review stopped.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of home care. Today, 56,000 people across the length and breadth of the country will receive home care. I am lucky to have a budget of €730 million from the Government to make sure that we can deliver as much home care as possible. In the four years since this Government came to power, 4.1 million extra hours of home care have been provided. Regarding Cork South-West and the Deputy's own area, the HSE has made changes. We saw the same changes made in Waterford over the past two years. The goal is to put a team in place in an area where there would be four people that the person would be familiar with. The reason behind it is that some people need care three times a day for seven days of the week. You cannot have the same person providing that care, especially at the weekends and on bank holidays. Teams have been put in place that people would be familiar with. I can look at any specific issues the Deputy is aware of. The whole purpose is to make sure that we have staff readily available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is a really important issue relating to eating disorders. Can it really be the case that there are only three public specialist adult eating disorder beds in the country? Can it then be the case that those three beds are in Dublin? Has the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, said there is no need for an additional 20 inpatient beds? Between 2018 and 2022, 718 adults presented to the HSE with a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder. I ask for a solution. Too many of these people are living in my constituency. There is a 20-year-old girl who is 37 kg. Nobody in the HSE will help her. This happens to so many. They are sent home and told to wait until their weight gets lower and lower and their organs are damaged, and then they go back in through the emergency departments again. I beg the Government to please help these people with eating disorders, who need help.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to say categorically that the investment into eating disorders over the past four years has been unbelievable.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister of State please answer the question?

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Deputy let me answer the question?

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What do I do?

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will quite clearly answer the question if she does not interrupt me. I have to put it into context. When I took up this role four years ago, there was one eating disorder team in place. There are now 12 eating disorder teams. We need to get to 16. Eleven are completely in place and another is funded for this year. On the Deputy's specific questions about adults and eating disorder beds, 90% of all people with eating disorders are treated in the community. There are currently three dedicated beds in St. Vincent's in Dublin. All approved centres can help people with an eating disorder. I never said we do not need 20 beds. I said that because of the prevalence of eating disorders, when the model of care was put in place six years ago, we did not expect this amount, and we are currently reviewing eating disorder beds. I want to see a geographical spread for them, not just located in Dublin.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

She is 37 kg.