I have received correspondence from an importer advising that certain goods are coming into the Port of Cork that cannot get clearance there and have to be transported to Dublin in order to get clearance. There is obviously a fuel cost and an environmental issue. My understanding is that the Port of Cork has made a submission to the Department looking for the facilities to be developed. What progress has been made? Is it likely that we can have all goods coming in to the Port of Cork able to get the clearance there…

There are 740,000 people over 65. Within eight years, it will be 1 million people. Some 50% of all hospital beds at any one time are occupied by over-65s. What review of policy will be undertaken to ensure we have an adequate number of hospital beds over the coming years? What progress is being made with regard to the elective hospital in Cork? The report on this has gone to the Minister for Health. My understanding is the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform also has to sign off on it. Here we are, still wi…

It has not been announced.

At a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health yesterday, the Secretary General of the Department of Health, Mr. Robert Watt, confirmed that it is not intended to appoint a new chair to the medical consultants contract negotiations. The chair who was there, Marguerite Bolger, was appointed to the High Court last September. Seven months later, we still have no chair. There are 838 consulting vacancies at present around the country and no progress has made in getting consultants appointed. In addition, there has been …

This issue concerns doctors and nurses from Ukraine who have arrived here. I understand that more than 165 doctors are here now who are qualified and who have been practising in Ukraine for several years. I do not have the number for nurses, but I understand many are here also. A register of these medical professionals is being compiled by a doctor working voluntarily. Originally from Lithuania, he has been working in Ireland for many years and he is working closely with these Ukrainian nurses and doctors to compil…

I fully accept what the Minister of State said. It has to be carefully managed. It is important the people we allow to practise have the skills. In respect of An Bord Altranais and the Medical Council, is there any one person assigned to deal with this issue? The medical doctor I have been working with is from Lithuania and is working in Dublin. Is there someone he can speak to in the Medical Council or the Department to see how this consultation process can be assisted? Can some information be given to us and to t…

I agree with my colleague. I served as chairperson of Blackpool Community Centre, which takes in Ballyvolane, which forms part of the parish of Blackpool. More than 20 years ago, when there were more than 1,150 houses in Ballyvolane, there was an application for planning permission for a community centre which, unfortunately, never got through. We started off with more than 1,150 houses without a community facility and we are now building a huge number of additional houses, which I think will start off with one pla…

There will be an increase of approximately 25% in the availability of rural bus services. What engagement has there been between the Department and other Departments to deal with the areas where there will not be connectivity or a service?

I thank the Minister of State. However, would he not accept that despite the increase of over 25% in the level of services, there will still be areas which need additional support and work? Should there be further engagement, perhaps with our local authorities, to ensure we can provide that transport service? I know the increase of 25% is over a five-year period. In my own constituency there is talk of a new service between Cork, Whitechurch, Carrignavar, Glenville, in the Grenagh area and Tower, Courtbrack out to …

I ask about the review of services. Places have developed where there is not a service and that connectivity is lacking. I think of my own area, for instance, where Dripsey to Ballincollig has developed but there is no bus service from Dripsey to Ballincollig even though it is the nearest town to a big rural area. Would that also be part of the overall review?

On Sunday I met someone who is highly qualified in obstetrics and gynaecology from Ukraine. They have over ten years' experience. Has the Department engaged with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the Irish Medical Council on how the process will be put in place for their qualifications to be recognised so that they can give the support to the people and work in the Irish medical system?

I also want to thank the Minister of State for the work being done in this area. Following on from what the Deputy said, in September 2020 I introduced a Private Member's Bill related to the regulation of home care, including putting it on a statutory footing. I know that work is ongoing on that issue but is there a timeframe for the introduction of legislation to put home care provision on a statutory footing? When are we likely to see the draft legislation?

There are major challenges for food producers in Ireland. What level of engagement has the Department been involved in to deal with the serious difficulties that have now arisen as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Will he make a statement on the matter?

The big issue for farmers and contractors throughout the country at present is supply of fertiliser and supply of fuel. For instance, I talked to one contractor who needs 10,000 l of fuel to get crops in over the next ten days but has only been given 1,500 l. Is there any mechanism, or is the Department involved in any way, to make sure there is an adequate fuel supply for those contractors and for those who have a large acreage of cereals to put in place? Likewise, fertiliser was approximately €270 or €300 per ton…

Has there been engagement outside Europe with, for instance, the US regarding feed or fertiliser supply? For example, I heard recently of a boat being loaded in Ukraine to bring 35,000 tonnes of grain into Ireland. The loading of that boat stopped, which has created a significant vacuum. Have alternative places been considered from where we can get grain and fertiliser?

Will the Minister report on the supports for carers to help them take up training, education or employment while continuing to care for a relative or member of their family?

I welcome the Minister’s reply. She spoke about the 18.5 hours per week, and because of Covid we have moved to online training and people working from home. Can more facilities be put in place to assist carers? One of the problems carers have is that if the member of the family they are looking after passes away, they then find it difficult to get back into the employment system because things have totally changed. Can we do more to help people continue to provide care in the home and at the same time do some onlin…

The Minister will have to accept there is a problem. For instance, I have a constituent who looked after his elderly parents for eight years in total, and when he tried to get back into the workforce, he found there were many areas he was no longer able to work in. He had a health problem and he no longer qualified for any of the benefits because he was means tested for anything he applied for. There is a glitch in the system. Here is someone who saved the State a huge amount of money because he looked after two el…

Will the Minister outline what steps are being taken or are in place to ensure Ukrainian refugees can access the supplementary welfare allowance and child benefit quickly upon their arrival in Ireland? Will she make a statement on the matter?

Today is International Women's Day. In the budget, funding was provided to make free contraception available to women between 17 and 25. I understand the scheme is to be in place in August. What is the current status of the legislation? When will it be published? What engagement has there been with professionals to date to ensure there will be a comprehensive service available for those aged between 17 and 25 from August of this year?