Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

If there are problems in the scheme, the Minister should tell the House what they are. He has enough officials in his Department to deal with these problems. If there is a problem he should deal with it. The overall scheme worked and elderly people felt safe in their homes. There was a large voluntary capacity. Many people actively supported this scheme and were not being paid. There might have been a commercial element, but the Minister should deal with that if there is a problem. I want, and I have, the Minister's assurance that this scheme will continue. The Minister might tell the House what the problems are besides money because he has an overall budget.

The budget was announced on 6 April and on 7 April the Minister said the scheme was to be suspended. Did the Minister and Minister of State talk to one another? Some Ministers do not talk to each other. Do the Minister and Minister of State talk to one another? If not, will they get together and talk and try to keep this scheme up and running?

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