Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)

What kind of system are we operating? We are literally throwing our elderly people aside and letting them die before we provide care.

We listen to members of the Government on radio and read their quotes in the newspapers about our wonderful economy and the strides we have made. We have made no strides in this regard. This system was introduced when my father was a Member of the House 25 years ago but there was never a waiting list like the one that exists today. The Minister of State or whoever replies during this debate should tell me whether funding will be provided to the HSE to reduce the waiting lists. Some 452 people were on the list last November but how many are on it now? How much funding will be provided and will that funding clear the waiting list?

No elderly person deserves to be in this situation. We know how difficult it is for a parent or anyone else to go into a nursing home. It is bad enough for those who can afford it but it is more horrific for those who must wait to get a few bob together to try to get care for their parents. I know that the Members on the Government benches have hearts. They would not agree to have 452 people on the waiting list for enhanced nursing home subvention in the HSE southern area. It is not good enough.

The second issue I wish to raise is that of the home care or Cúram grant. A pilot scheme was established in the Southern Health Board area in 2004. Approximately 44 people who are looking after elderly and ill relatives at home received letters stating that they were awarded grants but they never received a penny. No money was provided last year to facilitate the commitment made by the health board to these people. I want an answer tonight or tomorrow as to when the money will be paid to the 44 or more people who received letters of commitment from the health board telling them how much they were to get before they were told that, while they had been awarded so much, unfortunately, the board had no money to pay them.

Will the Minister provide the money or ignore the plight of these people, who received letters but have no hope of receiving help to look after their elderly relatives? I hope they will not look for enhanced subventions because they will be waiting for much longer. I want to hear answers to two questions tomorrow night. When will the waiting list for the enhanced subvention be dealt with and when will the money be provided in the form of home care grants?

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