We have a siege mentality. We know exactly how he and men in general think on these issues. The Senator does not. The Minister should have a sense of humour about this and should not have to retreat to his garrison position. Other speakers referred to pensions and housing for the elderly.
Pensioners are often in very poor housing conditions.
They do not have enough money to do up their houses. The health boards have a minimal housing aid scheme for the elderly. The Minister should liaise with the Department of Health and Children to examine the scheme, particularly in rural areas where there are many old age pensioners who are bachelors living in very poor conditions with no running water and no toilet facilities. I came across a man who got a housing grant but he found it difficult to apply for planning permission. The Department of Health and the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs need to co-ordinate on this.