Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Naughten for tabling this amendment. There is no impediment in the Act to another person being present to support a person in care in the context of an interview, as Deputy Cullinane said, or to support any other relevant person who is called for an interview. I am assured by the HSE that, in general, anyone interviewed under the scheme is free to have another person to join the interview. However, I recognise the concerns the potential vulnerability of older persons as they enter long-term care, and the need to make sure they feel comfortable and able to avail of the appropriate support as they go through the process. Therefore, while I cannot accept the amendment precisely as drafted, I will aim to bring a Report Stage amendment that addresses this issue.