Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

What is certain is that not everyone who applies will receive funding because not everyone who applies is in need of long-term care. From the information available in the reviews completed, it is clear that approximately 40% of people in nursing homes should not be there in the first place. We must seriously examine the situation.

The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government with responsibility for planning and housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and I have been examining other forms of assisted living with all the voluntary groups. We are committed to ensuring funding will be provided for anyone who needs - as opposed to applies for - long-term care. There will be sufficient beds within the system. There are particular areas where we must ensure we act where the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is involved and has decided the accommodation is not appropriate. I am sure the Deputy would agree with that. HIQA was established by the previous Administration and is one of its most useful initiatives.

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