Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I support the amendment to the Order of Business with regard to head shops. The matter will need to be addressed and I hope the Leader will indicate that he is prepared to have a debate on this subject next week. The motion should not be taken without debate as is being proposed. We will need to discuss the matter as it is of serious consequence from the point of view of health, as I said last week and as has been stated by a number of Members this afternoon. We cannot allow the current situation to continue for much longer. It must be addressed, whether through legislation or otherwise.

The fair deal scheme for nursing homes is up and running in most parts of the country. In Waterford, however, there is a backlog of more than 200 applications, and not one has even been examined over the past nine weeks due to a lack of staff and resources. Many children and relatives of people in nursing homes have been put to the pin of their collars in paying nursing home charges and are under severe financial strain. When the Minister introduces a scheme through legislation, she must also provide the necessary back-up and resources to implement it. This is not happening in Waterford and many are suffering as a result. I ask the Leader to raise this with the Minister and ensure the situation is rectified as a matter of urgency.