The programme for Government commits to integrated "health care delivery, in which the right care is delivered in the right place". Today we have learned that a number of tracheotomy babies in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin are well enough to go home but cannot because the HSE has not sanctioned safe levels of home care and this is at the worst crisis level ever. Do we need legislation to provide for this home care or can the Minister for Health address the need for a central funding scheme and for a protocol for a safe home care package in order that these seven children can be at home where they deserve to be?

It is a great advance in medical science that babies and young children are able to live a normal life once the tracheotomy has taken place. People are trained when the children are at a very young age to clear the blockages in the system. The issue raised by the Deputy does not require legislation. I expect the matter to be referred to in the health service plan, which the Minister for Health should have in the next ten days or two weeks. It is clear there is an element of funding and I admire how training has been put in for parents in respect of children. Those are very sensitive in personal cases obviously.