Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Comiskey spoke about the value of Lissadell House to tourism in the north west.

Senator Bradford called for a debate on the elderly. The report on the fair deal scheme will be published today. It has made several recommendations, namely, ensuring there is adequate residential capacity for those residents who require higher-level or more complex care, ensuring value and economy, with the lowest possible administrative cost for the State and administrative burden for providers, and increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make decisions that are as informed as possible. The review also recommended the continued development of home and community-based care as an alternative to nursing home care. The Government is not considering changes to the area of residents’ contributions.

Senator Keane raised the issue of pupil-teacher ratios in island schools, which I will take up with the Minister. She also called for an examination of rural resettlement to deal with homelessness. Senator Ó Clochartaigh rightly pointed out that the problems in island schools did not just happen today. It is recognised that they need to be solved.

Senator Paul Coghlan raised the matter of a spiritual tourism trail in Killarney and noted the many attractions that can be seen there. Senator Coghlan will always highlight the delights of Killarney.