James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not the intention and it is not the case.

Deputy Ó Caoláin seems to have a problem with very well off people making a contribution towards care in the home, as opposed to not having a problem with them being charged for their care in long-term care. I find that very inconsistent, to say the least. It is all very well for Sinn Féin to talk about progressive taxes and a wealth tax. The bottom line is that the sort of money it attributes to what a wealth tax would raise is fantasy economics.

The reality is that we have an ageing population, something for which we should be very grateful. People are living longer. We want them to live well and at home for as long as possible, and to retain their independence for as long as possible. Something needs to be asked of a system which heavily supports long-term institutional care but not long-term care at home. It begs a serious question. Talking about wealth taxes as the solution to all of our ills and problems does not wash.

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