Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I move recommendation No. 4:

In page 52, before section 20, to insert the following new section:

"20.—Section 26 of the Finance Act 2008 is repealed.".

This section deals with capital allowance for qualifying specialist palliative care units. In layman's terms it is similar to the recommendation ruled out of order. It concerns subsidising private hospices throughout the State. I propose the deletion of lines 1 to 21 and repeal section 26 of the Finance Act 2008.

It is important to note that 12 counties do not have any hospice facilities and there is a national shortage of beds and care staff but, in encouraging private hospices, the Government is only exacerbating the inequality in hospice care. There should be no doubt that end of life care should be available to everyone, regardless of their incomes. My recommendation proposes that the section in the legislation be repealed and that the State to do its job and provide public end of life care that is accessible to all.