Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

The Government has stated that it is caring and sharing but its actions indicate the contrary. It is disgraceful that the Government is not giving OAPs refunds and intends to charge them during Christmas week. Consideration must also be given to the issue of patients who tried to obtain entry to public nursing homes but who could not do so and were obliged to enter private nursing homes. The Minister has not even made a statement on that matter. I look forward to the debate on Friday but I must state that what is happening is disgraceful.