Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

As I stated earlier, I did not expect the Minister of State to change his approach at this stage. If the will had been there, it could have been dealt with. It is ideologically driven and it is a vote of no confidence in the departmental staff and the public sector. I am not stating the Department of Health and Children would be the prime mover in this regard, but the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, generally goes to the private sector to deal with an issue. That is incorporated in this legislation.

I have no indication from the Minister of State of the basic cost. What is the projected cost of operating this scheme? Is there any indication what this may be? It may be premature to ask that now. We can get that response. It is a fundamental issue and I regret that the Minister of State is not prepared to accept this amendment.

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