Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I am not reassured by the Minister of State's remarks. She indicated that the HSE will monitor whether adequate funding will be available. At present, however, the HSE is presiding over the closure of wards in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin and other hospitals throughout the country and cutbacks that are affecting patients everywhere. I do not have any confidence that the HSE is suddenly going to provide adequate funding for the scheme under discussion.

On Committee Stage, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, stated that the scheme is based on eligibility rather than entitlement. In other words, one can be eligible but not entitled. While one might be eligible, if there is no money one will not be catered for. As a result, one could be stuck in an acute bed with nowhere else to go.

As Deputy Ó Caoláin pointed out - this matter was also referred to by Deputy Bruton at an earlier stage - the Ombudsman differed with the Minister of the day in respect of the entitlement of elderly people to be provided with long-stay care as a matter of right under the Health Act 1970. The Bill removes that right. We fundamentally object to this development. In the absence of their having a right, we must ensure that adequate funding is provided in respect of people who require care. I feel strongly about the amendment and I intend to press it to a vote.

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