Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I am very disappointed that the debate has fallen on deaf ears, especially in the area of quality of life and the mental health of the individual. We have tabled amendments and I am very disappointed the Minister of State has not taken on board our suggestion that mental health be taken into account as part of the evaluation of a person's ability to cope. I read out the Minister of State's evaluation last week, which included the ability to communicate, to bathe unaided and to dress, the degree of continence and cognitive ability. None of that reflects the mood of the person or what the person needs. I thought we had thrashed this out last week, and I am disappointed to see the Minister of State has not taken the time to include it in the Bill.

A dear and close relative of mine has been discharged from an acute hospital this week. I fail to understand why the Minister of State would list a nurse and a doctor as being the two people who decide on where a person should go or how the person should be managed for the rest of his or her life. This is about people and how individuals will live out their lives. I am sure the Minister of State has had family members and close friends who need to be cared for. The multidisciplinary team is all encompassing and ensures no professional will be left out. I cannot see why the Minister of State cannot use this definition and I look forward to hearing why she cannot.

My relative had a stroke ten years ago and he made a full recovery with the help of wonderful supports from occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, the public health nurse and the general practitioner. He now needs to be reassessed after ten years for a plethora of other complaints, but it is his fervent wish that he be able to go home independently with the community support that is in place. I cannot see how the Minister of State cannot have a multidisciplinary team for every person in a nursing home.