Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

On the Order of Business I would like to raise an issue that I know is central to the concern of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, namely, the nursing home legislation. We know that in 2001 the Ombudsman found that the health boards generally withheld the information from people that they were entitled to public nursing home beds, and many ended up in private nursing homes because that fact has been concealed from them. The Government's health strategy said it would set out a clear legal basis on which eligibility for nursing home care could be decided, clarifying exactly the position regarding the Health Act 1970 when it was clear that anyone who held a medical card was entitled to appropriate care.

The Minister produced a Bill this week that has not in any way clarified the eligibility of those who hold medical cards.

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