Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the matter as to why the motion in my name with regard to Mr. Brian Curtin is still on the Order Paper. I will obtain a satisfactory explanation which is what the Senator seeks. Senator Hayes also congratulated the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science, Deputy Haughey. Most people in this House do so. Senator Hayes also spoke about Mr. Dermot Nesbitt. I knew him from when we began cross-Border initiatives and always found him open, fresh, frank and interested. I was surprised to hear on the BBC this morning that he will not go forward for the next assembly elections in March. He will be sorely missed.

Senator O'Toole seeks a debate on management companies which would be useful. People are taken in when they attend residents meetings where a proposal is made which they think it is a good idea as the grass will be cut and windows painted in the complex. However, charges increase and the work is not done. We will endeavour to bring a Minister or Minister of State from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House to debate the issue.

Senator O'Meara seeks a debate on policy for care for the elderly. The Minister for Health and Children will come to the House, I hope during the first few days when we return, when we will fully debate the matter. I know Senator Dardis replied to Senator O'Meara but I also wish to do so. The situation since 1993 is that as one lies ill one's house can be sold over one's head. I always thought it an extremely sad situation. Older people might wish to return home and that prop of comfort is taken away from them. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, will do away with that.

Senator O'Meara is a person of probity and did not deliberately promulgate untruths about a policy. We must debate it and work out its intricacies. This policy is designed to ensure older people's houses will not be sold over their heads when they are alive. Why should anyone object to the value of a portion of the house, the amount of which will be debated, being used after the person has received the care and passed away? It is extraordinary to pretend——