Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response, but I must stress that two people are involved. While I understand that we need to consider a cost-benefit analysis and the cost to the taxpayer, this does not involve a large number of people. The two people concerned, out of a possible 12, are not involved in a pilot scheme. I am aware that the company met HSE officials and other bodies this week and is engaging in talks, but we know from a number of different people that talks have been ongoing for years. This is something which should have been resolved a long time ago. I ask the Minister to facilitate these meetings and to find a solution.

I have brought this matter to the attention of the chairman of the Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Jerry Buttimer, who met John and his wife Aileen last week. He has promised to monitor the situation and if progress is not made it would possibly consider bringing the relevant bodies before the committee. We hope it does not get to that stage. I urge all bodies to come together to find a solution to this now, rather than after a number of weeks or months have passed.

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