Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I join with the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party in expressing my sympathy and that of my party to the family of the late Micheál Lynch on his sad passing.

Just two weeks ago, it seemed possible that RehabCare would have to withdraw services from more than 3,000 people who depend upon them. It was a stressful time for those service users and their families. In this election week, the Government thankfully has found €2 million to fund the gap for Rehab this year. We know that most of that money - €1.5 million, I understand - is simply to cover insurance costs.

There are many other community and voluntary organisations delivering important health and social care services to people with disabilities. Like the Rehab Group, they are all under severe pressure. While what the Government has done for Rehab is welcome, is it not time that we provided an indemnity for the myriad of section 38 organisations that provide vital health and social services and are under enormous pressure to find affordable insurance?

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