Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Serious illness can be a traumatic time for a family and it can be exacerbated in the current economic climate by other pressures. We are all aware of this when we are out in the community but it is an emotional experience for a family when a loved one has to move into a nursing home. Many Members have had this experience over the years and that is the reason, when this issue was discussed in both Houses and other public fora, the fair deal scheme was introduced. It is a good scheme and, in many ways, it is radical. It is an example to us of the way we should respond to what we hear on the ground about difficulties people experience.

Currently, those who move into a nursing are in limbo until their application under the scheme is approved and families must cover the nursing home costs during this period or find free accommodation for them. I have witnessed this and I have been contacted about it by a number of people. This is not happening in order that the HSE can make a saving but the issue has gone unnoticed until this time. Waiting periods of six and seven weeks have been mentioned but I am aware of waits of several months for approval. A family may have to pay between €700 and €800 a week for three or four months while coping with the difficulties presented by the current economic climate. Perhaps the Leader will use his goodwill to raise this issue with the Minister for Health, even though his office may be aware of it. The Minister or the Department should give a positive response to this issue. It may seem like small change to some but it can be devastating for people during this traumatic period. I hope this issue will not be put on the long finger. I would love for it to be attended to with the same urgency as the introduction of the scheme. Many people are worried and they are suffering.