Bank of Ireland and insurance
The Leader said he would facilitate discussion on Bank of Ireland, noting the bank should explain and possibly reverse its decision. He also agreed to have the Minister come to the House on insurance and acknowledged the budget and DEIS funding points.
Before Senator David Norris leaves and as a courtesy to him as father of the House, I will be happy to facilitate a discussion on the issue raised by him and Senator Colm Burke.
Comment on this
We spoke last week about the decision made by Bank of Ireland. It is certainly one for which it should answer. Despite some thinking we do not have a role to play in the day-to-day management of accounts, the bank should explain and, if possible, reverse this decision. I would also be happy for the Minister to come to the House to discuss the matter of insurance which was also raised by Senators.
Many Senators referred to the budget. To be fair to Senator Catherine Ardagh, she has been consistent on the importance of the funding and staffing of the DEIS, delivering equality of opportunities in schools, programme and how it is maintained and retained in some cases. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, was in the Chamber last week to debate the action plan for education, at which time he demonstrated his vision for the Department. Given that the economy is beginning to recover and more people are back at work, we need to examine how DEIS status is granted in the areas in Dublin to which Senator Catherine Ardagh referred and a number in my city of Cork. I will be happy to have the Minister return to the House to debate the matter.
Senators Rose Conway-Walsh and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin referred to class sizes. It was announced yesterday in the Budget Statement that 2,400 extra teachers would be hired, an increase of 3.5%. There will be up to 2,500 additional posts in schools, including resource teachers and special needs assistants, as well as the return of career guidance teachers. Up to €160 million will be committed in the higher education sector. Education is pivotal in how we get the economy moving again. We must invest in it. The supports announced in the Budget Statement represent a beginning. Linked with them is the action plan for education and the new action plan for disadvantaged schools, to which Senator Catherine Ardagh referred and which the Minister will announce before the end of the year. There is also to be reform of the junior cycle programme, as well as extra career guidance posts. We are on a journey. We have haemorrhaged many staff from public services. At least we have now turned the corner in terms of investment.
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, announced a comprehensive child care package, with an investment of up to €1.3 billion. Funding for early years education services has been increased by 35% to €466 million. A new affordable child care scheme will be introduced, with an increase in the Tusla budget. There is investment in children, particularly in younger years education programmes. Those who question the child care budget should look at the balanced and fair statement issued on it by the Children's Rights Alliance.
Most people who discussed the budget on the airwaves this morning spoke about the housing scheme. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill did not mention the issue of supply. Those of us who hold clinics and canvass meet people who have an issue in getting into the housing market or being able to obtain local authority housing. We need to start to incentivise the market to allow people to buy houses rather than compete against one another. However, I take the Senator's point which we may be able to address with the relevant Minister in the context of the Finance Bill. It is important that the benefit of a house purchase scheme go to the buyer, not the seller. I agree with the point made about the purchase of second-hand houses and the Central Bank's requirements regarding deposits. However, there are people who cannot put the money together and we must provide an incentive for them. There is still a home improvement scheme in place. As I said, we are on a journey, but it is equally important that we be fair and balanced in how we address the issues involved.
Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin referred to the provision of free GP care for children under 12 years. As Members know, the Government's overarching policy is to provide free GP care for children under 12 years. There are talks under way with GPs on contracts.
Senator Catherine Ardagh referred to a free dental cleaning and oral hygiene service.
It is regrettable that we have not seen any movement on the matter. As part of Mary Hanafin's regime when Minister, the option was removed. It is important that we consider the issue in future years because dental work and good oral hygiene are important.
Senator Robbie Gallagher raised the important issue of broadband provision. I will be happy to invite the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Denis Naughten, to come to the House for a debate on the matter.
Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn referred to cross-Border health initiatives. When I was Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, the committee visited the North where we witnessed close co-operation. We can see that close co-operation in the link between Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry and Letterkenny General Hospital in County Donegal. We all welcome cross-Border health initiatives.
Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn also made a point about transport, infrastructural developments and projects, a matter also raised by Senator Frank Feighan. Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn mentioned the A5 road project. I will be happy to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to attend the House to discuss the matters raised.
Senator Frank Feighan also raised the matter of extending free travel to 18-year-olds across Europe. It is an exciting initiative that would afford students who have just left school an opportunity to travel and encourage them to explore.
Senator Colm Burke raised the important issue of what might happen after the presidential election in the United States, particularly in the context of Israeli and Palestinian conflict. It is critical that President Obama's overseas policy be continued. Senators have differing views on Israel and Palestine, but it is important to recognise that the Palestinian people should not be subjected to harassment and torture. Whoever occupies the White House has a duty and an obligation to the world.
I am not familiar with the case referred to by Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh. If what he has said has happened, it presents a serious issue. Therefore, he should convey the details to the Minister.