Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am sorry Deputy Twomey is in such bad form today. He is in an angry mood and has alleged that replies are abysmal. I am not inventing policy as I go along. A considerable amount of work has been carried out in respect of care of the elderly. One of the most senior, respected and experienced officials in my Department has responsibility for this area, work which has been under way in my Department for some time. I am not playing politics. I acknowledge the existence of a major legislative deficit in many respects, both in respect of inspection and nursing home regulations, which we discussed before Question Time commenced. Proposals concerning the issues surrounding long-term care are before the Cabinet because there is a lack of clarity in this area.

In respect of eligibility for services, Deputy Twomey is aware that some issues concerning private nursing homes versus public beds are being tested in the courts. Deputy Twomey will accept that it is not possible or affordable for the State to provide fully funded nursing home care to every citizen who reaches the age of 65.

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