Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe it is a very important point that Senator Burke has raised about the future needs of our elderly population and the benefits of having a legislative, statutory base to the home care provisions that are made. As he says, this was recommended by the Law Reform Commission and I have no doubt it will guide the Ministers in their approach to this area. As I said in the reply, it will be progressed in the context of the overall legislative and resource priorities. I congratulate Senator Burke on introducing the Bill and I will make sure that it is brought to the attention of the Minister for Health.