Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Colin Burke for raising this important issue. Since we have over 23,000 people in nursing homes in the State, we have to be vigilant and ensure they have the proper services and prices.

Senator Burke raised the issue of no right of appeal. I will bring his concerns back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris. Of course I take his point about reasonable grounds for an appeal. That is important. I also think we should not necessarily blow the idea of a mechanism out of the water.

The final issue raised by Senator Burke was on the timescale. I cannot answer the question directly today, but I will bring it back to the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, and ask him for an update. I will respond to Senator Burke in the coming days.