Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. As Sinn Féin's spokesperson for older people, I welcome the opportunity to debate this Bill, which we support. It is a sad truth of life that due to age and infirmity, older people are more likely to require inpatient treatments. The cost incurred disproportionately impacts pensioners and those with fixed incomes. A figure of €80 per night is a lot of money for those only on a State pension.

I am glad that the Minister has finally heeded Sinn Féin's calls to abolish inpatient charges. This is a step in the right direction but I fear that without additional measures, this will not be enough. As the Minister is no doubt aware, there is severe lack of GPs, nurses and healthcare assistants all over the country. Due to staff shortages, many older persons are told by the HSE that they cannot receive their full allotment of home support service hours. This is simply unacceptable.

I am sorry, a Cheann Comhairle; will I continue?

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