Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I support the point made by Senator Glynn on the Hallowe'en season. The more vulnerable members of the community suffer hardship and distress at that time. It is ironic that we outlaw burning in the open, yet we see evidence of an ever-increasing number of enormous bonfires.

I have come from a briefing with the HSE this morning where it was stated that those with an intellectual disability in institutional or in State residential care, who had money deducted for such care, similar to what happed to old people in nursing homes, are not eligible to have that money returned to them. I would like the Deputy Leader to clarify this matter. I believe it could be a misunderstanding on the part of the HSE representatives. The families of people with intellectual disabilities were encouraged to apply for the return of money deducted by those in charge of the institutions.

Will the Deputy Leader also take the opportunity to ask the Minister what steps are being taken to ensure accountability for the standardised rate paid by those with intellectual disabilities for residential care?