Phil Prendergast (Labour)

We learnt recently of the introduction of long-stay charges applying to intellectually disabled people in a residential or community setting. A charge of €120 per week in a residential setting and €90 per week in a community setting applies when a registered nurse attends the person concerned, even if it the nurse's attendance is only of five minutes duration or if it is a regular feature of the person's treatment. Such charges do not apply when a health care assistant or social care worker attends the person concerned. I call for a debate on this issue with the relevant Minister. To deny intellectually disabled people treatment by a professional nurse because a charge applies for that service is not the correct way to proceed and it does not represent equal treatment. I would be pleased if the Leader would allow a debate on this matter.