Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Government is proposing that by 1 January 2008, there will be community services to look after elderly people in their homes and communities. The service's current rate of provision makes a mockery of this issue. The Taoiseach is living in fantasy land if he believes the service will be provided. There are not enough general practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists or home helpers and the State cannot employ the physiotherapists it has trained. Where will the Government find the personnel to provide cover to people refused entry to nursing homes?

In a country of considerable wealth, why are we facing a situation——

See this speech in context