Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

There are reports this morning that Nursing Homes Ireland is concerned that a registration fee which will be applicable under the new nursing homes legislation will have to be paid by nursing homes. My comment on that is, "Poor old them." Nursing homes generally charge up to €1,000 per resident per week. Under the new legislation, the families of these residents will be paying for their care.

A substantial debate on the nursing homes legislation took place in the House some months ago. Those who want to make a case in defence of the Seanad need only reflect on the work it did as part of the process of deliberation on that legislation. Our comments on it were closely observed by the owners of nursing homes. It is fair to state nursing home proprietors will prosper as a result of the nursing homes legislation. I would be gravely concerned, therefore, if this modest registration fee of less than €200 were passed on to the residents of nursing homes and their families. It is disappointing that in advance of implementation of the legislation nursing homes are already sounding warnings about the imposition of further fees on residents.

The Oireachtas has attempted to put in place a new system of caring for the elderly. I have difficulties with parts of that system. However, it is reasonably fair and balanced. I hope nursing homes will not now take advantage of the Minister, taxpayers or, most significantly, the elderly people in their care. I would welcome it if between now and Christmas the House could, as has been the case on many previous occasions, engage in a substantive debate on care of the elderly and nursing homes.

Many Senators, particularly those from rural areas, have been contacted during the past two weeks or so in respect of proposals for the introduction of some kind of windfall tax. I accept that this is a debate for another occasion. However, people in rural areas who wish to sell individual sites - often to neighbours, family members or friends - are deeply concerned that they may be obliged to pay this tax. I would like the position to be clarified in order that we might ease their concerns.