Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make two points. First, I ask the Minister of State to consider the points made by some of he Deputies here on the 12 months issue because I can envisage situations arising where somebody would require full-time care for fewer than 12 months. If there is a possibility to consider a measure, or to bring forward an amendment on Report Stage, which would allow for some flexibility in this regard, I ask the Minister of State to consider that.

Second, section 3, at the top of page 6, states that "unless the person has such a disability that he or she requires ... (a) requires from another person ... (i) continual supervision and frequent assistance". When I first read that I thought I saw the word "continuous" but on re-reading it I saw the word "continual". A dictionary definition of "continual" states that it means regular or frequent as opposed to continuous, which is uninterrupted in time or whatever. I ask the Minister of State or his officials to indicate their intention in this regard because I can see a situation arising where deciding officers might read this and think "continuous" even though the legislation states "continual". I would be interested to hear the Minister of State's observations on that.