Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I agree with the points made by my colleagues about nursing homes. It is amazing that this issue is before the House again. In 2001, the then Ombudsman, Mr. Kevin Murphy, produced a report on nursing homes but it appears that the Government has failed again in this area. Almost 15,000 pensioners in long-term care, aged 70 years and over, might have been paying money they need not have paid for their nursing home care. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come to the House to clarify the situation? I am aware that the 1970 and 1990 health Acts are relevant to this important issue. I hope the Minister will come to the House to make a statement on it.