Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for explaining his position. It is an awkward position due to the fact that this was not noticed when the legislation was being drafted. I accept he is seeking the best advice available, which is the reasonable and right thing to do. However, I am disappointed that the Seanad is not being given the opportunity to amend the legislation to remove this charge. I acknowledge the right of the Minister to table his amendments in the Dáil but we have debated this Bill at length and as the Seanad is, like the Dáil, a House of the Oireachtas, we have every right to correct legislation where anomalies are found.

This is an anomaly that would affect the elderly. It is most disappointing that the Bill, if the Fianna Fáil Party supports it, will leave the Seanad with this anomaly in place. That is not acceptable. It is the reason Fine Gael tabled this amendment and the reason we will put the amendment to a vote. I hope it will be seen and accepted by all sides of the House as a genuine attempt by the Fine Gael Party to address this anomaly that will affect the elderly in a most unfair manner. Those who will go into residential nursing home care, whether long-term or short-term, should not have the family home charged.

I shall say no more. We put a great deal of time and debate into this legislation. I am disappointed that, as Senators, we will not have the opportunity to correct the legislation before it leaves the House.