Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

We have discussed very important issues in this section on which we have not got full clarity. The question of the multidisciplinary team assessment is a critical one but it is not sufficiently addressed.

There was no specific amendment on referring to the mental health of the individual but the Minister might consider it.

On the naming of a social worker in regard to the multidisciplinary assessment, the word "multidisciplinary" is not used anywhere in terms of the care assessment. Senator Norris made that point. Why not use this Bill to define it, even if we do not have an addition in regard to that. Those points are well made.

I want to speak primarily about subsection (11). Will the Minister inform the House what precisely this means? Our entire discussion has been about the meaning of "care services" in the Bill and what exactly a person is entitled to for the 15%. Subsection (11) of this section states: "Where a care needs assessment is carried out, this shall not be construed as meaning that the Executive will provide or will arrange for the provision of any service identified in the assessment as being appropriate to meet the needs of the person or that the Executive has an obligation to provide or arrange for the provision of any such service". Why does such a section need to be put into a Bill like this one? The whole Bill is about the State's obligation to provide services for elderly people primarily in need of residential care and it outlines the financial provisions that would be needed. I refer to page 14, subsection (11).