Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, before section 1, to insert the following new section:

"1.—The Health Act 1970 is amended by inserting the following new section after section 44, but in Part IV—

'44A.—Within three months of the passing of this Act, the Minister shall lay before each House of the Oireachtas, a statement of strategy detailing its plans for the funding of the care of the elderly in both public and private nursing homes.'.".

The amendment is self-explanatory. The Opposition feels that the Government's track record on care of the elderly is not sufficient. There have been many recent cases where private nursing homes in particular have come under scrutiny and, unfortunately, have not fared well in regard to conditions for residents.

The Government's strategy for the elderly is purely a strategy without practical effect. Yesterday, I drew the Minister's attention to the issue of home help being cut to a maximum of ten hours per week, which contradicts the image the Government tries to portray of its views on the elderly. It would be useful if in the next three months the Oireachtas had an opportunity to hear the Government's strategy for the care of the elderly and have an input into it. How we treat the elderly reflects on society at large and, therefore, it is important the strategy is inserted in legislation. If it is not so inserted, it will never be achieved.