Fiona O'Malley (Independent)

As the people gather outside the Houses of the Oireachtas, I concur with Senator Fitzgerald regarding a debate on the withdrawal of disability services. I learned a thing or two about the story behind the scenario she described. One would need a heart of stone not to be moved by the television reports on the difficulties people will face if respite care is withdrawn from them. However, the Brothers of Charity organisation employs six chief executive officers and I understand each of them receives a salary in excess of the Taoiseach's. This country has limited resources which should be invested in people who need care. The last thing this Government needs is to waste public money on these six positions. Before we get high and mighty in regard to where the Government should or should not withdraw services, we need to learn the facts. It would be remiss of the Minister for Health and Children to continue spending limited funds on comfortable salaries rather than front line services.

I can tell from Senator Fitzgerald's reaction that she did not know about this matter. This is why we need an honest debate on the withdrawal of services. The people who will be protesting outside Leinster House tomorrow have our support because nothing can be harder than facing the withdrawal of respite care. I ask that the Minister be invited to the House to explain the costs of administration to the people. The organisation is dealing with the issue by withdrawing front line services rather than rethinking its structures. All of us would prefer to see the money invested in front line services.