Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is because of the Taoiseach's decision last year with the Minister, Deputy Reilly, that we have people waiting. He has stated that admittedly, this represents a reduction in the funding. Demand is increasing and the Taoiseach knows the population trends. It is extraordinary that he would provide for less funding in an area that demands more funding. The Taoiseach will provide hundreds of millions of euro in tax relief and present that for political reasons, but is there any social conscience at the heart of Government at all given that the sickest and most vulnerable older persons in society are left waiting for 15 weeks before they will get approval?

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