Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I agree with the sentiments expressed regarding Deputy O'Sullivan's amendment. This question arose on Committee Stage. I should like the Minister of State to reflect carefully on this because it is very important. As has been pointed out, we all know we are in very tight financial circumstances, which are likely to prevail in Ireland for a number of years. The problem arises in terms of the time it takes legislation to be interpreted once it is passed. There are several classifications of people outside the assessment eligibility for this scheme, and I want to put this on the record, as I did on Committee Stage.

In rural areas, there are a number of people who live on their own, who suffer from great loneliness and who have a certain type of mental health problem. The latter is not too severe and these individuals are just about able to care for themselves. However, they do not have anyone to look after them. I am of the view that by the time the legislation is enacted, they will not meet the assessment criteria. In such circumstances, what will they do? According to the Government, the playing field is supposed to be level but there is no place to which these people can go.

I made the case in respect of this matter quite strongly on Committee Stage and I am very disappointed that the Minister for Health and Children and the Government have not seen fit to ensure that the people to whom I refer will be catered for in the legislation. Will the Minister of State indicate who these individuals will be assisted in their old age when they will have no one else to care for them?

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