M J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion and I want to put it on record that I will vote with the Government. This has been a difficult time, not just for politicians. It has been a particularly difficult time for the pensioners and their families. I am glad the Taoiseach and Government have admitted they made a mistake. They have apologised and we can move on from here.

It is important to remember that when this scheme was introduced in 2002-03, it was costing something in the region of €20 million to €25 million. Today it is costing €245 million. This scheme was approved at a time of plenty. Now that we are in far more difficult times, changes have to be made and are being made. I think of the families receiving home help. We were told this was one of the areas being considered by the Department and the Government for cutting. We must recognise that it is not going to be easy and that even more difficult times lie ahead. We will have to accept that harsh and difficult decisions will need to be taken.

I am glad that the Minister has asked for a report by Tuesday next and that the Government will make a decision on it at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Moneys should be put into primary care where we are getting best value for it. I commend the Minister for accepting a mistake was made and the Government for rowing back from last week's position.

It is important to recognise that 30% of Government spending is in the area of health, that we have come from a low base and that we will have to continue to increase that spending. How much time do I have remaining?

See this speech in context