Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The Department could make huge savings in that area this year. One of the advantages of Committee Stage debate is that sometimes good ideas are taken on board by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Officials will remind the Minister that when I was spokesperson in this area I argued that those living in nursing homes should be given free telephone rental. Each year I tabled this amendment and each year it was voted down by the Government. Approximately one month ago the Minister proclaimed on the news the very idea I had brought forward. She had some temerity in suggesting that it was her idea.