John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very well aware of the circumstances but, without being personal, the sixth anniversary of the suspension of this scheme is coming up. It is not good enough. I am aware of the legal difficulties and all the rest but the legislative proposals the Minister of State mentioned sought to ensure that resources are targeted at those of the greatest need. There is no greater need and I would bet my life on this, than the case I have mentioned. I have come across others but I wanted to highlight this very difficult case.

What I read in the Minister of State's response is just kicking the can down the road again. This is not personal. It is an appeal. I know the Minister of State has a great personal sense of wanting to help people who are in real need. The example I have quoted this morning is of a person in real need who is driven to distraction. This person won the carer of the year award in Ireland some years ago. I do not mind what scheme it is but it would qualify under any scheme from the point of view of treating people with some equity. I appeal to the Minister of State to bring this to the Minister's door and to those of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, and of the Taoiseach because I have been at all those doors too.