Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

In the programme for Government it is stated quite clearly that there will be an increase in funding every year in the provision of nursing home care. We now find money is being taken from ancillary services in order to fund the fair deal nursing home scheme. Does the Minister of State agree that at this stage it is clear there are insufficient funds for the continuation of new approvals? Is it now time to admit that the programme for Government is dysfunctional and what is required is a Supplementary Estimate?

This is about choices. A couple of weeks ago the Government potentially raised €2 billion with a pension levy but none of that money went to the health system. It is about choice.

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