John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the latter part of the reply in which he set out the position on the promised legislation. I know the history of this issue. I note the point the Minister of State made to the effect that the scheme will be targeted at those in greatest need. In reality, if this is not restored quickly, the costs to the State in respect of the person I am talking about - and there are many others - will end up being a great deal more. The letter I read was from someone who has won a national award as carer of the year. The person is a saint on this earth. We can talk about equality all we like but if the scheme that is implemented fails to meet the needs she has, it will cost the State multiples of what it would otherwise have to pay. Without divulging anything about the person, some people who were in similar circumstances sued in respect of similar hospital treatment but the family to which I refer refused to do so on condition that they would be supported to care for their father and husband at home. It is vital that this case is pursued to a positive conclusion at the earliest opportunity.