Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. I agree with my colleagues that the presentations were very clear. Deputy Healy picked up the point on community care. It is a strand that runs through all, as does the concept of rights and not charity. The fair deal scheme, respite care, the carer's allowance and even the policy decision Mr. Dunne talked about in Kilkenny all come together. When we try to raise these issues, for example about the fact that people are being pushed from community care into the system, we are told that is only a one-off, anecdotal case. All the budget submissions here are saying the same thing. Can the witnesses provide the evidence that this is systematic and not accidental or one-off? That would be really useful. It is very welcome to see some revenue generating measures being promoted but we all know that cost-wise it makes no sense, and it also goes against the individual's right to be cared for in their own community and home. If that is what they choose we should support that decision.