Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

Nobody in their senses would say that every shilling should be repaid or that the elderly should be provided with nursing home accommodation for free.

The Opposition should talk to those directly involved, not to family members who see an opportunity to put money in their back pockets when elderly relatives die, which is what some want. However, the same family members would not take care of their elderly relatives at home and shoved them into institutions. This has happened and is happening in every parish.

The Government is making a fair effort to look after the elderly, including in the context of the Bill, which is perfectly legal. From my experience of visiting people in nursing homes, they are happy to have made a contribution. They did not want to be there for free and were happy to pay, despite the fact that others are now clamouring for money. I wish the Minister of State and his officials well.