Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Clearly, we support the motion which will do exactly what we need to do. I commend the Deputies of the Rural Independent Group for bringing it forward. All of us, from all parts of the country, have been lobbied by many people who have found themselves in this situation. One of the things that strikes me is the length of time that has passed. It has been a year since the programme for Government was produced and it contained a commitment to do something about this issue. We understand things take time, but for many of the people concerned who are in dire circumstances, time is not on their side. That is the reality. About a week ago I spoke to a man whose mother had to go into a nursing home. There is no other option for them and the family farm is still in her name. What are they to do? It will cost an absolute fortune. They are at their wits' end and do not know how they will manage because the mother has dementia. She is very well physically and may live for many years, but she is unable to cope at home.

The issue is proving to be very difficult for many. It brings to mind a matter I raised in this House, on which I received support from many Deputies, namely, rural proofing legislation and measures brought before us. This is an example. It is something that was brought forward for nursing homes across the country, but it had a disproportionate impact on people living in rural Ireland because, simply, it had not been tested. This issue needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. While the Government's amendment states it will be dealt with in due course, for many of the people concerned, time is not on their side and they cannot wait.

The Government has also recognised the unfairness of the scheme. It is an unfair scheme and we need to resolve the issue very quickly. Another issue, dealt with by Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, concerns the unfairness surrounding home care packages. In many parts of rural Ireland they cannot be obtained for persons who could stay at home if a small amount of money was put in place for them, but it is simply not available. There is also a need to make an effort to ensure people will be able to obtain home care packages as a right.

See this speech in context