Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I know she does not have direct responsibility for the scheme but she has a broad knowledge of it. I have no difficulty with a review that seeks savings, efficiencies and competitive tendering between public and private suppliers. I hope that is carried out speedily and efficiently but I cannot reconcile the fact that the HSE's national health service plan proposes to take 1,000 beds out of long-stay residential care. On the one hand, we are talking about a review while on the other we have already made a decision that up to 1,000 beds will be taken out of the system. Could we not have had the review in advance of the HSE making that determination in the context of providing health care? Population demographics mean we will require further investment in long-term residential care, which everybody accepts, but the opposite is happening.

We should have an increase in the number of people who are assessed for home care packages to see if they can reside at home with supports. The problem, however, is that home care packages have not been increased and home-help hours have been reduced. In addition, out-of-hours GP services are being curtailed but such services are essential for elderly people who wish to reside in their communities.

This review is examining the fair deal scheme in a narrow and focused manner. The review is a whitewash to make savings without examining broader issues. If the review examined broader issues the closure of 1,000 community nursing home beds would be shelved until the review reported its findings.

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