Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their words of encouragement. This is quite a technical Bill, although people might think it is not. There are 26 sections in it. The Attorney General went back to the drafters in the Department of Health seeking 136 clarifications, so there is quite a bit of work on the question of a successor, who is working a farm and all the details that have to be put in place. That is also the case with small businesses. In some cases there are operations that function with small businesses and farmers. There was quite a bit of technical work.

Strategic reform of the model of delivery of care for older people is currently under way in pursuit of the policy goal of supporting older people to remain living independently in their own homes and communities for as long as possible, as I have always sought, with the correct wrap-around supports. This will involve a demonstrable shift in the provision of care from hospitals to community settings and significant investment has been made in intermediate care and home supports in 2021 to advance this goal. Nevertheless, long-term residential care is part of an overall continuum of care and will, at a certain point, be a necessary option for many older people in order to meet their healthcare needs.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into sharp focus the vulnerabilities of many older people, especially those living in long-term residential care. It is therefore absolutely critical that public investment in long-term services is maintained and such care remains accessible and affordable, including for those with farm or business assets. I am very pleased to inform the House today that the Bill has been finalised, pending approval by the Government. It will be presented to the Houses for discussion and debate in the next few weeks.