John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

The scheme has been reviewed on a number of occasions and every time it was reviewed it improved significantly. The most recent review meant people could make an application on an ongoing basis. Traditionally, one could apply only once a year and if one missed that, one had to wait 12 months. If we are to target resources at people with real need, we must review this scheme to ensure it is doing that. As I pointed out earlier, the scheme was working at a certain level and suddenly the figures increased dramatically. We are in a time where a certain amount of resources are available to us and it is my job to ensure that those resources are targeted specifically at the elderly people who need them most. The scheme is being reviewed. The groups I mentioned previously sat down with us and are happy — very much so — to fully participate in that review, despite Deputy Wall's comments. It is my firm intention to clarify, in case there is any misunderstanding, that the scheme will be back in operation.

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