Dáil debates

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Topical Issue Debate

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

7:05 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I knew the Attorney General would be cited in the Minister's reply. Indeed, it was the single line response I received to a recent parliamentary question I tabled on this issue.

It is most unsatisfactory. I live very close to the Border but there are people who live even closer who naturally gravitate towards the little community hall, nursing home facility, church and all the other facilities that make up an identifiable unique community. They want to be able to stay with their friends and relatives - people with whom they have spent a lifetime engaging with in all the different facets of life - yet they are being forced to part because they cannot afford to pay the entire cost of their care, the fair deal being an essential element for access.

We need a "can-do" situation regarding this matter. This anomaly or discriminatory situation has only arisen in the past seven odd years and I believe it is essential that it is made a priority for the engagement referred to by the Minister. I welcome the planned engagement with the Minister of Health in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, MLA, who is a very experienced Minister who was formerly Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in the last administration in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Leaving aside political differences and the jibing that can take place in this Chamber, I am appealing to the Minister because I could name these people. They are people I am thinking about as I stand before the Minister making this appeal. It is in their interests and those of the families that they are allowed to remain where they want to be in their final years for whatever time they are granted and that their loved ones and those who would visit them have reasonable access. This is part of the essential care and provision for people placed in long-stay residential facilities.

I will not use a battleaxe approach with the Minister over this. I urge him to recognise the reality of the constituents about whom I am thinking. The Minister may not be able to identify with them personally because it is not the area he represents but I ask him for the empathy that will open the door to resolve this vexed matter.

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