Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take the opportunity to remind Senators that this evening, our Independent group has a Private Members' motion down to support the 1,400 children with life-limiting conditions and their families to ensure they can get provision of home care. In our motion, we have clearly shown the savings to the State. We worded our motion very carefully, being aware of the environment we are in and of the fact that parents who should be giving their undivided attention to those precious days, months and years with their children are instead having to fight a system.

I must admit that when I got the Government amendment last night, it was a body blow. It was a low point for me. The motion we are putting before the House this evening is a way for the Government to bring in a discrete policy for these 1,400 children around the model of the money follows the patient. Why not test it with these children? Let us do it now. Why are we waiting for more general policy? I appeal to the Leader and all Senators, in particular Government Senators, to attend the debate, to be open and to listen to the arguments. Hopefully, we can convince them to support out motion.

While a small number of families are affected, each of them has to fight for a medical card and support for their child. There are few things we can solve very easily but this is one. Let the Seanad take a lead today.