Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I welcome this week's debate on the rights of those with disabilities. It is important that we should also have a debate as soon as possible on the rights of the elderly. It is clear following last night's television programme that this is a question of human rights. Action must be taken to provide more State beds. There are many applications from the former health boards and the HSE to the Department of Health and Children seeking the provision of more beds. I hope such provision will be made soon.

I congratulate RTE on last night's programme. In regard to the cost of private nursing home care, it is necessary to examine the issue of the nursing home subvention. It seems nursing homes in the east receive approximately three times the subvention paid to those in the west. It is time this situation was reviewed.