Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill. I must bring the problem of the elderly to the attention of the House. It is time the situation was streamlined and that we ensured front line staff get what they need. My secretary received a note this morning from the neighbour of somebody who has spent six weeks in Cavan General Hospital and two weeks in respite care. This person is now at home, on a ventilator and very ill. The nurse was to call to visit him yesterday, but has not yet called, according to the neighbour. There appears to be no back-up service whatsoever. What is the position on the home care packages we were all promised? We were promised that if hospital services were wound down, people would be guaranteed home care packages. What is the position on the individual to whom I refer and how can we ensure he will receive help?

My office and I, as a public representative, are accused of interfering in these issues.

See this speech in context