Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is right that it is all about the communication and the messaging. As an elected representative, no different to Members of this House, I pick up the telephone and deal with constituents who get mixed messaging all of the time. It is all about the messaging and that is what I would say clearly to those in the Department or the HSE who are listening in. We need to be clear in our communication. We are dealing with very vulnerable people who will have received shocking news. That is to be dealt with empathetically but it must be the correct information and not misinformation. Whether one is a PAYE worker, self-employed or not working at all, one needs to know exactly what category one falls into. Most importantly, if one is hit with that unbelievable diagnosis, be it an end-of-life diagnosis or a terminal illness, we need to know to what that constituent and patient is entitled and give it clearly to them. We must not put them around in rings trying to figure it out, adding to their frustrations and adding to the complete tension and anxiety they are experiencing.

I am clear that the Senator's request is for me to give her a timeline. The Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, was at Cabinet earlier today and I have not spoken to him since but I am sure that as soon as he gets a moment, he will let everybody know. Most importantly, he will be talking clearly to John Wall as well, to bring him an update. John Wall has campaigned through his own illness to fight for others.