Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I join in congratulating the new Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. Will the Leader ask him to urgently consider the scandal in the National Educational Psychological Scheme? The Leader might be interested to note that in her own constituency and that of Senator Bannon, Longford-Roscommon, there is 0% coverage in secondary schools, which is incredible. In the primary school sector, Carlow has only 26% coverage and Kilkenny has only 21%. There is a very significant variation.

That has a major effect on children as they could be waiting two or three years for an assessment. Primary schooling lasts for only eight years, with secondary schooling lasting five years. There is no excuse for the significant variation in coverage around the country and I hope the Leader will pass on the concern to the Minister of State for his consideration. I agree with speakers seeking a debate on the issue of nursing home charges. It causes a great deal of concern, particularly the percentage rule. If a house is worth €300,000, the owners could be liable for €45,000 in charges afterwards. If it is worth €600,000, the owners could pay out €90,000. We must clarify why it is a percentage and not a fixed charge. It will cause problems despite what Senator Norris may think.

Last week in advance of Monday's announcement, I stated it was time private health insurance companies offered to the consumer the option of taking out an extra premium towards nursing home charges. The number of those aged over 85 years will treble during the next 30 years which will cause a problem.

The difficulty is that none of us knows at what age we will die, whether we will be in a nursing home and, if so, for how long. The Minister for Health and Children should have approached this from a different angle. She should have encouraged private insurance companies to create a scheme——