Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed. The response stated "based on local need". The facts are there about the local need and the numbers. This year alone, until the end of October, 11 patients and their families looked for the palliative bed but it was not available. In some cases, the bed was being used and in others it was being held for someone who might have had a higher need. It is not the case that there was not a need there. The figures I have got for this year differ on the percentages in the response. I believe it is higher. The facts are there of the number of patients and their families where it was not available. As I mentioned earlier, it is important to note there is a large number of families looking after elderly people at end-of-life in their homes and they need a break too, if it is for a prolonged time. The opportunity for a break is not there. I appeal to the Minister of State's better judgment. We are not dealing with people who have not been prepared or have not invested into this service. There has been a huge contribution from the people of Longford through Longford Hospice to support this service.