Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the positive tone of his reply. I welcome the fact that he met with representatives of the society last week. This is a very important issue and I am glad that it is a priority for the Minister of State heading into the budget process. I am encouraged by his response. The Minister of State mentioned that it is hoped that the model of care will be prepared before the end of the year. Will that be finalised early enough for the first phase of implementation to begin next year? I am conscious that the budget is in October and if proposals are to feed into that budget process, they need to be completed quite quickly. Nonetheless, I welcome the positive note that the Minister of State has brought to the issue this evening.