Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I support Senator O' Meara's call for a debate on this matter. It is regrettable that we discussed the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill last week. If we were to discuss it this week we would have the opportunity to assess the impact of this latest measure announced on Monday. One of the main provisions in that Bill was that 5% of the value of a property was to be taken into account in the definition of the amount of subvention. Since 5% of €100,000 is approximately €5,000, or €100 per week, and the maximum limit in my area was €192, subtracting €100 from that maximum leaves €92. I would like to ask the Minister what is to happen to that 5% stipulation under the new arrangement whereby the maximum amount would be at least €300. Questions must be asked and genuine concern exists whether they would be better off signing over the estate while they are alive to protect themselves in future. Many elderly people are terrified at what is happening. The Minister should define the scheme.