Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

These are operational issues on which the health boards would have previously made decisions. I believe most Members accept that we must have some flexibility in the system if it is going to work. We are all aware of situations where in terms of income, a couple might be a little over the guidelines but there would be certain other factors we would like to see taken on board. For that reason it is important to include some flexibility.

It is important that the income of a spouse be considered. If not, one could have a situation where a person has limited means but the spouse has perhaps in excess of €250,000 annually, and yet the person would qualify.