Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive response which demonstrates the control she has of this brief. I agree fully that making the fair deal scheme demand-led would provide an incentive to provide a further supply of long-term beds to meet the additional capacity required. We know that there is the demand, but like the housing market, part of the problem is supply. The budgetary cap acts as a disincentive for investors in the private sector and adopting a demand-led approach would be of benefit and help to achieve a better supply. We have a scheme that is fair, but it can work better. We need more investment in it and a greater supply of beds, be they in the public, private or voluntary sector. We are in economic recovery, but this recovery should be felt by all, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The people who qualify for the fair deal scheme are predominantly elderly. I agree fully with the Minister of State on the importance of choice. There should not be just one solution for those in need of care. Where people need security and comfort that cannot be provided by family members, they will certainly not be found in hospital wards.

I thank the Minister of State for her sterling work in this area, but I must ask: why has the scheme been designed in such a way that it is not demand-led? She has responded to this question and obviously the cost of the scheme in recent times has been a significant factor. If we are entering recovery, this area is one in which we should see the benefits of that recovery.

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