Ms Mary Murphy:

We believe it should have reduced to zero rental income. We do not think it would have meant a loss of revenue for the HSE. As it stands, people in nursing homes do not rent out their homes. It is not like the HSE stands to lose money by reducing it. We came before the committee recently to speak about this. It is a missed opportunity in terms of giving older persons the opportunity, choice and control in their own lives to put their houses on the market if it works for them. There might not necessarily be a large number of homes made available under it when we take into consideration the quality of the homes and other family commitments. From our perspective on the rights of older persons to make their own decisions and have the most options available to them we see it as a missed opportunity.

I want to return to the Deputy's earlier question on housing adaptation grants. I agree with everything Ms Morris said. Even outside of the means testing and the maximum grant size there can be hidden costs such as getting in an architect for a consultation. It can turn many older persons off. There are other barriers. Older persons may wait a long time to get reports from occupational therapists or to see occupational therapists in order that they can show the local authority that they have a need. The situation for older persons in their homes is that they must juggle many competing needs, often with limited resources, energy and ability in terms of vital repairs, energy efficiency, mobility aids and adaptation grants.