John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I again thank the Senators for raising these points which I know are sincerely made. I found the discussion very useful. That is the purpose of debating legislation, that we tease out any outstanding difficulties.

Let me be very clear, I do not seek out individuals to impose a €200 levy. I do not wish to give the impression this is some kind of tax on the elderly. People might construe it as such which would be unfortunate.

Reverting to Senator Cannon's points, if one's elderly parents live beside one, I assume they would be located there so that they could be looked after. Therefore, it would not be fair to categorise them as being independent. I do not know how the issue of individual cooking facilities, etc. arises. I would imagine it would not.