James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

The only thing that makes this more bearable is the thought that they might perhaps at some stage return home. It seems the Minister of State is now cruelly telling them that their home is not their home, that the nursing centre is their primary dwelling and their family home is merely a second home. This is in addition to 80% of their income due to go on care costs and 15% of the value of what the Government is, in certain circumstances, pleased to acknowledge as their primary residence, to be taken after their death. This, combined with the withdrawal of 20,000 medical cards from the over-70s, is a shameful record for this Government. It is appalling that legislation can be drafted which leads to a perception such as this, even if the action was never intended. The stress caused to the elderly at a time when they have earned a peaceful retirement is inexcusable, regardless of whether it is the Minister of State's actual intent to impose this charge.

The intention to include granny flats in the levy is equally disturbing. What Government would acknowledge the kindness of a person, who is prepared to give over a part of his or her property to accommodating an elderly relation, by imposing a €200 levy as a reward? Only one word springs to mind for such an action and that is "cruel".

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