Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)

This issue affects elderly patients whose care costs at least €60,000 or €70,000 each year. It will also have a significant effect on taxpayers going into the future. It is akin to the case in which it emerged that the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, did not read his brief. The Tánaiste needs to give us a definitive legal opinion. I acknowledge that she is right about the retrospective element of this but if a problem exists, it should be dealt with now. Otherwise, she should be quite honest with the people of Ireland. A considerable number of people who visit our clinics are paying for their nursing home care. The Tánaiste has not given a definite answer to my question.

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