An Alliance assembly member has urged other political parties in Northern Ireland to back the bill calling for free personal and nursing care for the elderly.

The Health and Social Services Bill which is being debated in the assembly today aims to cut back the cost of nursing care for those who cannot afford to pay.

Currently the cost of nursing care is included in the overall cost of a nursing home placement and may be borne by residents whose means are such that they fund, or part-fund, their own care.

From October 7, 2002 the bill proposes that the nursing care element of the total cost will be met from public funds reducing the overall cost to the individual.

Alliance health spokesperson Kieran McCarthy who is also the chair of the cross-party group on ageing and older people, said he could see no reason why the bill, already passed in Scotland, couldn’t become law in Northern Ireland.

“This is a great opportunity to show that the Assembly can do something very positive for older members of society who cannot afford free personal care, such as help with getting dressed, taking medication or making a fire.

“It is, of course, going to mean spending money, but if the determination is there, then it can be done. It is already a fact of life in Scotland, thanks to devolution, and I want to see it here too - and soon.

“I would ask members of other parties to throw their weight behind my amendments and show the public that the Assembly is about much more than sectarian grandstanding. It can - and has - done much for older people, and this is one of the most important issues affecting pensioners in Northern Ireland today.”

(AMcE)