James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise two issues. Regarding the fair deal, Deputy Kenny asked whether the Taoiseach would put a temporary measure in place. The Taoiseach indicated that would require legislation, but it does not. At the Joint Committee on Health and Children, the Minister for Health and Children indicated the subvention could be increased without legislation being enacted. For those in financial difficulty, the cost of nursing home care is important. Is it the Taoiseach's intention to yield to the HSE, which has planned to increase subventions for people in nursing homes, a welcome temporary relief, instead of allowing the money to be subsumed across the board?

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