Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

From the Taoiseach's reply, it seems that there is no more a foregone conclusion in respect of this matter than there is regarding a number of other policies referred to by the Taoiseach.

The persons who will need nursing home care in the next ten to 15 years are those who worked in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, built the Celtic tiger enjoyed by the Taoiseach and paid their taxes and PRSI. They find themselves in a situation whereby the State says that this proposal, which is supposedly revenue neutral, will leave a legacy of a new death tax of 15%. It will not be acceptable at a time of such economic strength when the Tánaiste says that the €2.4 billion received by the Government is not necessary.

The Taoiseach has not referred to the complete failure of community services to deal with this issue.

See this speech in context