Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I refer to care of the elderly and what was discussed yesterday, namely the defined revenue funding scheme. Approximately €500,000 was given initially but it was not increased. A sum of €2.5 million is needed to take the 20% of people out of nursing homes who do not need to be there. That could be done very cheaply and I ask the Tánaiste to examine that matter.

A report, which has already been referred to this morning, has been prepared on ill children who have a psychiatric condition. In Mayo, people have to wait two years to see a child psychiatrist. A second psychiatrist is urgently needed, but there is not a hope in hell of getting one.

Will the Tánaiste confirm that she has received the long-awaited report from the working group on alternative practitioners, under Ms Terry Garvey?

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