We must restore independence to older people at home who become ill or dependent, and we should encourage and support the care of older people in their own community by family, neighbours, voluntary bodies and in every way possible, also providing high-quality hospital residential care for older people. They need dignity and independence at home. Limerick Regional Hospital has separate admissions procedures for the elderly, and most hospitals around the country should consider that. It is unfair that elderly people should have to compete with younger people for admission.