Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am only at the beginning of a five-minute speech that I may not have.

Let us look at analysis, best practice and facts. Let us look at Denmark and the northern economies, the so-called socially committed states. I do not have a problem paying more tax if I get the services I need and they are of benefit to the community. I hold that view firmly and strongly.

If we really think about it, the value we put on older people in our society is unacceptable. If one has an abandoned home and the roof is gone, the Government will provide a grant of €70,000 to replace the roof so someone can live in the house. If one has a home, with a roof, that has been vacant for two years, the Government will provide €50,000 to put the house right and make it liveable. However, those with a disability who want to adapt their home to meet their needs can get a maximum grant of €30,000 provided they do not earn more than €30,000. For those earning between €30,000 and €60,000, there is a reduced level of grant available to allow them to stay in their homes. What the hell are we doing as a State? Clearly, we are not looking after old people the way we should.

I am critical of the Government on a point relating to elderly persons in nursing homes. John and Mary can keep all of the income they get from renting out that house. What does that mean? It means we are putting all of the benefits behind anybody but the elderly or disabled person who needs them. People have to stand up and fight like hell for their rights because that is the battle ahead. The number of older people is growing. Since 2010 the number of people aged over 65 has increased by 60%. We are living for longer and we are living better lives, but obviously the needs of people with acute and long-term illnesses have to be met. What Government will do it? Who will decide that? I support the Minister of State in what she is doing but these questions should be at the top of everybody's agenda for this general election. What are you doing for older people? How do you show you care for them?

Let us take the example of nursing homes, to which Deputy Shortall referred. More than 8,000 people in Ireland died of Covid. Sadly, I see it is becoming rampant again. I know Covid is not as infectious as it used to be but people are dying. There were deaths this week due to Covid. If 8,000 children died four years ago due to Covid, there would be an inquiry and there would be change. We would get ready and we would learn the lessons. It is not about holding people accountable; it is about getting the truth. However, because they were old people, nothing is happening. I am critical of the Government on this. Time and time again we hear that a Covid inquiry is imminent. Where is it? Why is it not here? Why do we not learn the lessons? Why do we not care enough? It is the job of this and future Parliaments to show we will learn the lessons. There will be another pandemic but we have not learned any lessons from the last one. We leave too much to officialdom, civil servants and all of that. There is a care, concern and love of older people and children at the heart and guts of society. Babies and young people are the most vulnerable. I am lucky; I have a new grandchild. His name is Séamus Fergus O'Dowd. All of those guys over there should watch out - there is another O'Dowd. He is two days old and I hope he will come to this House in 18 years. By Jesus, will he fight like hell for what he believes. I will make sure he will.

We have to show our care and our love. We have to really step up to the mark. That is our challenge. I say with all of the passion in my soul that I believe that is what we have to do. If everybody here is lucky enough, they will reach my age. I am 75 years of age now. If I am lucky I will live another ten, 15 or maybe 20 years. If we are lucky, we will reach that age. We want to make sure we are looked after and that the taxes we paid in the past, our families and their commitments will be valuable. We want to ensure we will be held in the esteem that older people are not being held in now.

I know the resources of Government are finite but, my God, people who have worked all of their lives, reared their families, looked after their grandchildren and given their all to the State should not be left in the situation elderly people and people with disabilities are being left in now. I rest my case. If the Ceann Comhairle wishes, I will take his job so that I will be in the next Dáil. If he wants to make that offer, I will definitely do it, and I would be pretty tough on these issues. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his indulgence.

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