Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This is the second time this year that the scheme has been suspended.

The Department's website confirms that no further applications are to be taken until 21 May. I believed the budget for the year was €2.9 million but the Minister stated it was €3.1 million. Is there enough funding available in the Department to deal with the 648 applications? Will the new scheme be up and running this year or will it be next year? How long will it take to introduce the new scheme? It is important that we send out a strong message that we are concerned about the elderly and that the scheme will be in operation.

This is the second time this year that the Department has suspended the taking of applications. It did so some months ago, reopened the scheme and then closed it again until 21 May. Will the Minister confirm to the House and those involved in the scheme that the applications already received will be dealt with, that the new scheme will be up and running before the end of the year and that the money will be in place?

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