Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This is a serious matter. It affects the livelihoods of our elderly people and it is a matter of great concern to their families. Deputy Adams is as interested as I am in finding out where the money went. The Minister for Health and Children informed the House that at least €100 million was diverted from the purpose for which it was intended. The Minister for Health and Children has ordered an investigation to find out how and to where this money was diverted and to which subheads it was diverted, all being in the area of care for elderly people. The Minister will have his analysis and examination completed in two weeks. In the meantime, applications are being accepted and processed but the reality is this is a budget-capped scheme.

I am keen to see the scheme continue and the Minister is keen to see the scheme continue. However, Deputy Adams is entitled to know, as are the elderly people involved, where the public's money went. When the Minister for Health and Children comes back here having found the answers to these questions we will be in a far clearer position to know how many more can be approved for the fair deal scheme.

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