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

I thank Senator Feighan for his remarks. I know how committed he is to the protection of our senior citizens and the elderly, particularly in the Roscommon area. I take his point that the bureaucracy associated with the different stages can sometimes lead to delays. I will be responsible after this debate for passing on Senator's Feighan message that we need to ensure progress is made with these projects. It is important to provide for services to be made available to senior citizens who otherwise do not fit into options like home support and home care packages. There are other issues with the provision of services for our senior citizens. As I have said, approximately 5,000 people across the country fall into that category. It is essential for the senior citizens in the Roscommon area whom we are discussing to get services of the best quality. The quality services they deserve as a right include proper, modern and state-of-the-art beds, conditions and toilet facilities.Senior citizens worked for all their lives. The least we can do for them, towards the end of their years, is our best to support them. It is very important that we do. I also take the Senator's point about the staff in the Sacred Heart Home. I reassure him that every provision will be made and every avenue followed to ensure the staff and patients will receive the support and services they deserve. I will bring the points raised by him to the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris.