Government response on home care
The Leader promises debates on the credit guarantee scheme and youth unemployment, rejects the proposed home-care amendment, and says future home-care provision will be planned and expanded rather than determined by a political reaction.
Senator Darragh O'Brien welcomed the credit guarantee scheme. We all would welcome this scheme. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, will be in the House on 13 November for two hours and we will be able to debate that credit guarantee scheme. Indeed, Senator Reilly asked for a debate on youth unemployment. We can include it with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, today and the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, on 13 November, and if we need to discuss the matter specifically we will arrange that also.
On home-help hours, there is the other side of the House in the person of Senator Darragh O'Brien criticising the Government for overruns in the health system but when it takes action, it is criticised as well. That is par for the course.
Comment on this
They must take responsibility for it.
Comment on this
That is what politics is all about. The Minister for Health was here and explained the situation when speaking on Second Stage on the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012.
Comment on this
If Senator Darragh O'Brien has other amendments to make on that Bill, we will have the Bill on Report Stage in here next week.
Comment on this
We will. Why will the Leader not take responsibility for the cuts?
Comment on this
We would welcome any amendments Deputy Darragh O'Brien has and any suggestions,-----
Comment on this
Take responsibility for the cut.
Comment on this
-----and the Minister will also welcome any proposals that the Senator can give in order to cut funds and have an adequate health system.