Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I support the amendment tabled by Deputy Twomey. In the same vein as was argued heretofore, the whole basis for the computation of subvention entitlement is giving rise to real hardship for families. Even in the brief period since we adjourned Report and Final Stages of the Bill I have personal knowledge of real hardship being experienced. Some families have had to make serious decisions on the care of loved ones. Despite every appeal, it has transpired that in the case to which I refer, a family was forced to withdraw its loved one from residential care. As a consequence, the wife of the man in question had to set aside her work to give direct and full-time care.

There are serious issues involved in assessment. We need to loosen up significantly on the computation method and allow greater discretion in specific cases of hardship. Many examples of hardship have been flagged here. However, let me tell of what happened in the case to which I referred. In the short time since that woman took her husband home, the tremendous pressure she was under and the severity of the change in lifestyle were, I believe, contributory factors to her being killed in a road traffic accident, within a couple of weeks of returning her husband to her personal full-time care. That family has gone through untold trauma.

These personal experiences, the hurt and pain of individuals and families in terms of the provision of care, the harshness of the computation system of entitlement to subvention and the extent of support, must make us realise that people deserve the most accommodating, compassionate and humane response from our system of support provision within our overall health services. Sadly, this is lacking in many instances. I have found it difficult to speak of the case I have mentioned.

It is not good enough that the Government should reject in cold and judicious terms the sound appeals of Opposition voices for a new regime to apply in the area of subvention, its computation and delivery. I support the amendment.

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