Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

There have been significant changes in the provision of care and its funding, including the introduction of standards, inspections, the fair deal scheme, etc. However, there is also an increased commitment to support people to help them stay in their own homes for as long as is possible. In this regard, it would be timely for us to have a debate on the critical role carers play under the national strategy. I ask the Leader to make provision for such a debate prior to the summer break.

On the issues raised by colleagues, one that particularly comes to mind is the sum of €1.5 million paid into a pension fund. All weekend I met people who were scrimping and scraping to make their mortgage payments, pay utility bills and clear overdrafts that banks had called in without notice and who could not get their heads around the idea that €1.5 million had been placed in someone's pension fund. It is more money than they will ever see in their entire lifetimes. This is wrong. I ask the Leader to pass on the views of colleagues to the Minister.

Senator Keaveney raised the matter of music therapy and asked about the health professionals Bill. There has been incredible lethargy in the regulation of the professionals concerned and I ask the Leader to make provision for a debate on the issue to enable us to receive an update on the matter. Senator Keaveney has correctly stated it has to do with recognition and access, but the regulation of these professionals also has to do with the protection of consumers, in some instances, very vulnerable consumers. In the interests of safety, we should receive an update.