John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. Accusations have been made that the Government is rushing this legislation but those accusations are unfair. Speedy action is needed. Every week we postpone this legislation will cost the Exchequer and the Department of Health and Children €2.5 million. As the Tánaiste said in the other House, it would be an expensive Christmas recess were we to postpone it.

At the heart of the matter is that we treat fairly and reasonably the expectation that those who can afford to contribute to their long-term care should do so, as has been the case since 1954. I pay tribute to the Tánaiste for the manner in which she dealt with this. She did so speedily, openly and sensitively. Comments have been made about some of the language being used and, unfortunately, at times it is difficult to find the right words. No one has a monopoly on interest in the elderly. We all have families with elderly members and we value the way those people are treated.

The Tánaiste was made aware of this situation in November, sought legal advice, which she received on 8 December, and immediately set about taking the necessary action to correct this anomaly. Senator Browne referred to the Tánaiste lecturing other institutions on overcharging and then doing the opposite in her Department. That is rich coming from a party that has had, albeit short, experience in Government but given that experience, it is aware of how responsible Governments must act. Fine Gael presided over the health service that gave us one of the greatest scandals this State has seen, the hepatitis C scandal, so it is rich that it refers to the Tánaiste as insensitive. Her actions have been decisive.

There are three courses of action. In the immediate term, we must amend the legislation to place these charges on a sound and legal basis. In the medium term we must review the management of this issue, who knew what and when. I welcome, therefore, the appointment of Mr.Travers, a distinguished public servant, to carry out a review of the management structures that allowed this situation to evolve. I am also glad that his report will be received by the Tánaiste by 1 March. Finally, in the longer term there is no doubt but that we must look seriously at care for the elderly.

Senator Glynn's contribution was valuable, given his experience in this area. This is a new and challenging situation in the light of today's demographics. As society has changed, the extended family has declined. In many cases, both partners now work and grandparents do not always live in the family home.

The Tánaiste has not become aware of this change only in recent weeks. As late as last April she commented that when the SSIA scheme comes to an end, that money should be diverted to care for the elderly. This is not a new-found interest on the part of the Tánaiste.

The elderly are a vulnerable sector in society, as those of us who canvass and engage elderly people at their doors are aware. Loneliness, insecurity and an element of fear are apparent. It is most important that public representatives ensure the State embraces the challenges facing us in terms of changed demographics and that we put in place a proper system whereby elderly people can be supported. People should be supported in their own homes if that is their wish. However, if there is a need for them to go into some form of residential care, that should also be provided. We should not postpone that challenge.

I commend the Bill to the House. It is necessary and is an example of good governance. We are seeking to address an anomaly in the system in an open and transparent manner. The Bill should be embraced in that spirit. Let us deal with the short-term objective of putting a proper legal basis in place to address the anomaly. Let us await the report of Mr. Travers and put in place a proper management structure and health care policy that will look after the elderly into the future.