Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not underestimate any older person. My mother lived a long life to the age of 89, and she was well capable of making decisions herself. I do not underestimate that. I said in the reply clearly that local government officials and the Departments of Health and Housing, Planning and Local Government are examining a number of options that may be introduced in the future. However, the Minister is unfortunately not in a position to give me those briefings at the moment.

The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, is mindful of the challenges of housing supply facing the Government and of how all Departments must work together to tackle the issues. In this regard, it is important that the Departments of Health and Housing, Planning and Local Government continue to work together. The Minister of State would like to assure older people that it is a matter of personal choice for any individual as to whether her or she wishes to rent or sell his or her home when taking up residency in a nursing home. Sometimes there are measures that we cannot take in government but we will continue to work to achieve some of the measures Deputy Brassil has proposed. The Minister of State is conscious of the fact that there are many dwellings owned by older people residing in nursing homes who unfortunately might not have family members to even participate in a process to rent out the property. I will pass on all the Deputy's concerns and the issues he has raised. I have taken note of them.

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