Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The response, which the Deputy will get a copy of, states that under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, an exceptional needs payment can be made, but that is not always appropriate for a person who may not have family backup and may not be able to communicate. It can be used in some instances, but we need a stronger solution to support people. The CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster, has been clear about this, as have the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and I. Those living in nursing home care should be afforded the same rights as they would be afforded if they were living in the community. I will work with Deputy on this. We get these individual cases every so often, but the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, was very clear that there should always be a previous pathway that can support people and we can also work with her on that.

See this speech in context