Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Do the Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy Martin, accept that successive Governments let down the elderly, stabbed them in the back and ripped them off over the years? The Minister, Deputy Martin, told the House today:

During my time as Minister for Health and Children the record will show that I was fully accessible to staff and willing to address issues even at the shortest of notice. At no time did I shy away from sensitive issues because they might have cost implications or reflect badly on Governments.

Many Deputies feel the Minister did shy away from such issues, as did the Ministers of State, Deputies Callely and Tim O'Malley. I refer in particular to the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, who was responsible for the elderly at the time. I remind the Minister and the Ministers of State that the Constitution states that Ministers should have ultimate responsibility. There have been serious problems in this regard for many years. Successive Governments have let the elderly down. I demand political accountability. Will the Minister accept responsibility for the actions?

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