John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am glad of the opportunity to make a few points on this important issue. As the Minister of State may be aware, there is no designated home for the elderly in Kilkenny city, although it is an issue which has been used by political parties over the course of many elections, with repeated promises being made. The last election was no exception, when outgoing Members on the Government side committed to the provision in Kilkenny city of a home for the elderly. Currently elderly people from that city are accommodated either in Castlecomer or Thomastown, in the absence of any facility within the immediate catchment area. That situation has dragged on for too long. It is an important issue which is liable to affect most people at some stage and it should be finally put to rest.

It is disappointing, to say the least, that the Celtic tiger years have passed without provision being made for a home for the elderly in the city of Kilkenny. I urge the Minister of State, as a new man in the Department, to look at this issue with a view to having action taken on it as a matter of urgency.