Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The documentary broadcast last night, "The Crossing", did a very good job on showing how the Naval Service and the Defence Forces work to save lives, as well as their dedication and commitment to their job. They work very much as a team to ensure the maximum number of people can be saved in their rescue missions in the Mediterranean. I also compliment the producers of the programme. It is a huge lesson for all of us about the difficulties of people forced to take very dangerous craft to try to get a better way of living and live in a safer jurisdiction than where they live now. My compliments to everyone involved.

We have a major problem with the private nursing home sector. In the public sector, the cost was allowed to increase by 13% over a five-year period but in the private sector, an increase of 1.7% only has been allowed with regard to the amount paid by the NTPF. There is no right of appeal once the figure is set for a nursing home bed. There is also a major problem now whereby the HSE is recruiting people from private nursing homes and offering them packages the private sector cannot afford to pay.In the public sector, HSE nursing homes cost €1,700 per bed whereas the NTPF is paying as little as €800 per week in the private sector. This major issue must be examined. Will the Leader bring it to the attention of the Minister and arrange for a debate?