Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I can assure the Senator on the issue of costs. Public facilities were often more expensive because they dealt with patients with a higher level of dependance, which meant costs were higher. The cost to the client is now irrelevant because 80% of his or her income and 5% of his or her assets are taken into consideration. The issue of cost should not affect the ability of nursing homes or militate against a public facility; it only affects the State. There are waiting lists at public facilities in County Kildare. On the review taking place, the Senator can assure persons who wish to enter the facilities that we are trying to equalise support. It is the levels of their income and assets which matter.