Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank those Senators who participated in the debate. I welcome the broad support from most Members for the introduction of the legislation. The enactment of the Bill will be a key milestone in ensuring repayments will be made as promptly as possible to all those who were wrongly charged for publicly funded long-stay care. Senator Quinn accused the State of stealing this money. I am not happy with the use of the word "stealing" in this case. My understanding of stealing is that it refers to someone taking something without the knowledge of the owner.