Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I do not think that the people in Bandon who are watching this debate will get much joy from the statement. There is a need for urgency regarding this issue. The Ombudsman's report was published in the last few weeks and criticised the Government on the lack of action. It has been nine years since we have looked at this review and we have talked about it but nothing has happened. The people whom I represent are prisoners in their own homes at present. I totally understand that the Minister of State present is not the Minister for Health or the Minister of State at the Department of Health who has responsibility for disabilities. This issue is not about politics but trying to ensure that we give quality of life to these people who live in vulnerable circumstances. I remind the Minister of State and the Government that we have had an awful lot of talk but no action and do not need any more reviews and strategies. We must acknowledge that the Ombudsman who received complaints is right and that the public are right that the scheme needs to be reinstated. If not, then the Minister of State and I will have failed our constituents. I passionately believe that we must do something about this issue.