Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

These changes were announced last year and make a great deal of sense. The criteria being used based on 1993 values bore no reflection of the changes that have taken place in property prices, particularly, in the capital but throughout the country. It is a change that all people will welcome.

Members will be aware that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, earlier this year established an interdepartmental group for the purpose of reporting on the future financing of long-term care. The initiatives I have outlined have been informed by the work of this group. It is intended to bring the report of the group to Government shortly. In putting these measures in place we are rising to the challenge set by all civilised societies of providing services and facilities of the highest standard for the more vulnerable among us. More important, I believe that the provision of choice is an even greater contribution to the well-being of our older population. It demonstrates the respect with which we hold them and also respects their wishes by providing care alternatives of the highest quality.

This Government, through these measures, recognises the contribution of older people to our society and will continue its momentum to improve their lives in as many ways as possible, particularly assisting them to retain their independence and their place in the wider community. As politicians and journalists have stated, we have had a booming economy here for the past few years and it is only fitting and right that older people should share in the fruits of that boom. Small changes can make a real difference to the lives of older people. When one is talking in millions, one can often get lost in the figures and the zeros after them. I have tried to explain as clearly as possible the number of areas we are tackling and the extra services that will be provided. This is an investment that I am confident will make a major change to the quality of life of thousands of older people throughout the country and is money well spent.

I thank the Senators for their contributions and I know others will contribute later in the debate. In general, they were constructive in what they said and were very appreciative of the money that is being spent and the difference it will make.

Senator Browne raised the specific issue of legislation and the repaying of moneys for long-stay care. It was our intention to have that legislation ready. It is almost finalised but it has proved to be a difficult task, with a lot of work involved. However, it has been a priority. As we announced earlier this year, this will be the biggest repayment scheme ever undertaken in the State and it was decided that we would seek the assistance of an outside company or body. We had to go through a selection process in that regard, which has now been done. A sum of €400 million was provided in the Estimates for next year.

We are trying to put a scheme in place which will not necessitate any legal involvement, as far as the older people affected are concerned. Last year the Government introduced legislation and Senator Browne was one of those who criticised us for rushing it through. The Government thought it was the right thing to do but the courts decided otherwise. We then had to take stock of the entire issue. The legislation that was introduced before Christmas last year made provision for an ex gratia payment, so money has already been paid to a number of people. All Governments try to introduce the best possible legislation but in this instance, because in many cases the people who are owed money are vulnerable, it is important to put safeguards in place to ensure those who are owed money actually receive it. It is very easy to say that, but devising legislation to ensure it is so is not so easy. We are treating the issue as a priority and will make an announcement on the matter in the near future. The same is the case with the setting up of the inspectorate.

Earlier in the year, a television programme highlighted treatment of people in a nursing home which left an awful lot to be desired. It frightened a lot of people, particularly families who had loved ones in nursing homes. In my experience, having visited many nursing homes, in the vast majority of cases, older people are treated very well. However, a bad experience in one nursing home or hospital is one too many. The Government is committed to putting an inspectorate in place that will prevent the type of happenings that went on in Leas Cross from being repeated anywhere else. We will put in place an inspectorate that has teeth and will prevent a repetition of what we saw on our television screens earlier in the year.

The sum of €150 million is money we have secured, in addition to what we have spent this year. It is money that will be well spent and will make a major difference. One Senator referred to it as being a drop in the ocean but in anyone's terms, €150 million is serious money.