Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that more speakers from all sides did not participate in the debate. I am not here for commendation from anyone. In fact, I hate it. However, I thank Senators.

I have a couple of points of rebuttal. Senator Burke said we are putting in €23 million, but that is being specifically taken out of the fair deal scheme. That leads to 700 fewer beds. The Minister of State appears to be contradicting the HSE which says there is a crisis in long-term care. She says there is not. She might clarify that. I said €300 million might be gathered up to offset the need to cut telephone allowances, medical cards and other provisions. Does Senator Gilroy want to know where I got that?