Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I welcome the remarks of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, over the weekend when she said her Department will be able to assure the hundreds of unfortunates who have lost their jobs that they will be looked after. As a spokesperson in the Seanad for social and family affairs I welcome the Minister's reassurance. However, I attended a meeting on Friday, of which Senator Cassidy will be aware, about the fact that in Westmeath disabled persons and essential repairs grants have run dry. These are the most vulnerable people in our society and we will apply for more money to top up this fund to keep these people out of nursing homes and hospitals. Will the Leader clarify whether we will be able to get this extra money to keep the old and infirm out of hospitals and allow them to live in the comfort of their own homes without it being at the expense of all the people who will have to be looked after by the Department of Social and Family Affairs? People have been on this waiting list for two years. If the money is already spent by July, it does not augur well for the rest of the term. For the people of Westmeath, those awaiting essential repairs and disabled persons grants, I ask the Leader to clarify the position.