Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would agree.

I have raised this scheme with the Minister and the Taoiseach many times over the past 12 months on behalf of my constituents, Joe, and his carer, William, in Kilkee. The Minister agreed with me, and I note that he still does, but also the Taoiseach agreed with me. The Taoiseach stated it was ridiculous that just because they are not blood relatives, they are not eligible for this scheme. It is incredibly insulting. We all know our family is the family we choose and I would think that in the context of the constitutional change the Government is trying to implement at present, the Minister would be more sensitive to that.

I understand that the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is undertaking a body of work on this legislation. While I welcome that, it does not assist my constituents in their current struggle. As a direct result of these men not being able to avail of this scheme, Joe’s knee replacement continues to be delayed. With one stroke of a pen, that could be changed.

Every time I or other Deputies bring this issue up in the House, the person sitting in the Minister's seat states that he or she has constituents in the same predicament. If that is the case, surely the Minister would want to implement the change to this scheme that we badly need for these constituents.

See this speech in context