Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State and my colleagues in the House for their contributions to the debate. In considering the disbursement of resources it is imperative that they should be allocated in such a way as to achieve the optimum benefit for those in receipt of them.

While the Bill is relatively brief in content, it is an important measure. There is a difference between the acute and chronic stages of an illness. There was a proposal earlier to delete the words "including any psychiatric hospital" but certain categories of psychiatric illness can take quite some time to treat, whereas others may be of relatively short duration. It is difficult, therefore, when one is dealing with an area as broad as this, to be precise or concise in framing legislation to achieve optimum benefit for those affected.

Early in the new year, we should have a debate on services for the elderly, which is a constantly evolving issue. A number of health boards, including my own area which includes the regional hospital in Mullingar, have consultant physicians specialising in geriatric medicine. In addition, St. Loman's Hospital has a department of psychiatric care for the elderly. As chairman of the board, I was pleased to officially open that facility.

When we have a debate on services for the elderly in 2005, I am sure positive suggestions will be made concerning what is being done well and what services could be improved. There is a range of model practice concerning care for the elderly which we should examine early in the new session.

I wish you, Sir, and the staff of the House a holy and peaceful Christmas, as well as prosperity in the new year.