Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

It is difficult to know where to start in the context of the Minister's contribution and the various Bills he has promised. This legislation is the latest element in a long and sorry saga regarding older people who are in the State's care and have a right to its protection. The Government's record on introducing promised legislation is abysmal and especially bad on health.

I did not know whether to welcome this Bill which is a cop-out. The current background of subvention stretches back to the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993. The Tánaiste has informed the House that an eligibility Bill is being introduced. There have been more consultations and interdepartmental meetings on it, and the social partners have been involved. According to the Tánaiste, there will be further consultation later this year. We had a promise that the eligibility Bill would be introduced towards the end of this year.

I agree with Deputy Twomey. The Minister of State may surprise me but I do not believe that the eligibility Bill will ever see the light of day because there are too many hard decisions to take on it. The easy option on the Government's part has been to give it to the Attorney General. Some six or seven months before the primary legislation on eligibility is brought before the House, he has decided for some reason that this Bill is required. I will wait and see, but I have my doubts.

It is another example of the Government, in the run-up to the next general election, not being prepared to take the hard decisions required to ensure the future long-term care of ever-growing numbers of older people who in many ways were responsible for the Celtic tiger. With very few means, they ensured their children were educated so that they could take part in our successful economy today. Alas, the experience hitherto has been all talk and no action on the Government's part.

Regarding another Bill to which the Minister of State made reference, the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006, no other group would be left waiting for nearly two years to have money returned.

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