Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State is committed to her job. I have listened to her speak about the way she does her job. I acknowledge that there is much work to be done in this area. She has empathy for the work in which she is engaged. We will work with her in any way we can.

I will chair the annual conference of the Institute of Public Health Nurses that will be held in Croke Park tomorrow. The issue of the elderly and many of the concerns raised in this debate will form part of the discussion at the conference. I would have liked the Minister of State to attend but I appreciate she cannot be everywhere. I will inform her of the discussion that takes place there.

I acknowledge the work she has done and wish her well in her work. There is much more to be done in this area.