Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support the comments made by Senator Fitzgerald and other colleagues on the nursing home support scheme Bill. I look forward to it coming before the House. It is important that sufficient time is afforded to allow us reflect fully upon it. It is also important that we consider the second part of the equation in regard to care of the elderly. We should not get carried away with the concept that the development of some type of super nursing home system throughout the State will be enough to deal with the situation facing thousands of elderly people. We must put community care and the ability to allow people remain in their own homes and communities at the core of any policy in regard to the elderly.