Section 9 of the programme for Government deals with care for the elderly, specifically the investment required for 30,000 of our citizens whose home is now one of the 580 private or public nursing homes in this country. Last week members of the Committee on Public Petitions were addressed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Peter Tyndall. He dealt with the issue of additional charges being levied on old-age pensioners, OAPs, for social activities in nursing homes, which has led to people being "impoverished by the charges", and having less money in their pocket than the grandchildren who visit them. He said people's autonomy was being eroded and they were ending up with a disposable income of €7 per week.

Will the Government examine the contracts for care in nursing homes and take into consideration the fears expressed by the Ombudsman in our committee hearings last week in respect of the impoverishment of our elderly?

That matter is currently being examined by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, to ensure there is full transparency around charges in order that people know what they are for and that they only apply for additional or extra services and activities, and not for those that would be expected from a nursing home. This is an issue of concern to many elderly people and their families but the Minister of State is aware of it and he is working on it.