Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 1:

To delete all words after "Seanad Éireann" and substitute the following:

"—recognises that personnel in the home help services have benefited from substantial improvement in their terms and conditions of employment under national collective agreements between health service employers and trade unions; and

—notes that funding has increased from €12 million in 1997 to €120 million this year for Home Help services in recognition of their important role in;

(i) providing support to people who require it to enable them to live in their own homes and in the community and therefore avoid the need for long-term residential care; and

(ii) providing support to their carers and their family, as appropriate."

The reference in the amendment to "increasing the funding from €12 million to €120 million" says a great deal. Senator Bannon referred to the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government as being a lame duck. If it is a lame duck, the former rainbow Government perfected the hammer stroke.