Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

A couple of weeks ago, I asked what was happening with Seanad reform. The Leader told me the report would be published this week, which it was. It is time for us to have a debate on this because those of us who took an active part in arguing against the abolition of the Seanad made a number of proposals, many of which are being included in the proposals of the Government or, at least, those being put together by former Members of this House. The Government plans to introduce legislation to do something about this but I do not know whether this will happen immediately. If we are to have an election before April of next year, it will be interesting to see how quickly the Government can actually move on Seanad reform.

I ask the Leader to find time to debate the concerns Age Action highlighted this week about the possible increase in nursing home charges. It claims the proposal targets the sickest of older people and is fundamentally unfair because it is increasing the cost for those who cannot do anything about it. This issue was mentioned on "Prime Time" last week.It has not received any publicity but it is the sort of topic we should debate in the House. If we are to conclude that residents of nursing homes will have to pay more, it seems the Government is once again singling out the weakest and those in the most difficult position. To use the words of Age Action Ireland, it is fundamentally unfair. We should debate the matter soon.