A Government Minister?s comment urging people not to look at the hole in the roof of a residential home that hasn?t been repaired for two-and-a half years, has been branded disgraceful.

To astonished gasps in Parliament, urged people not to look at the hole in the roof of Lefroy House that was caused by Hurricane Fabian in 2003 but to look at how well seniors who are staying there are being treated.

Since the storm damage occurred it has become a constant source of contention between the Government and the Opposition.

Mr. Lister, responding to further UBP concerns about the hole during a debate on the Health budget allocation, said: ?If you are interested in the seniors go up there and look at the seniors and not at the hole in the roof.?

In the current Budget $1m, from a $4.1m total allocation to the residential home, has been earmarked for its refurbishment.

The property is still being used to care for seniors, except for the area affected by the damaged roof.

Earlier in the debate, said: ?A design brief for renovations and redevelopment of Lefroy House has been completed.? expressed concern at the lack of action and passage of time since the storm damage occurred and then spoke on more general terms about the care of seniors in residential homes on the Island.

A short while later, Mr. Lister got to his feet and suggested that the hole in the roof not be looked at. responded by saying that: ?For many seniors that facility is their last hope to live in a home environment? and urged that it be looked after in a proper fashion.

She added: ?To hear a Minister say ?don?t look at the hole? that should have been fixed two-and-a-half years ago is one of the most inane things I?ve heard. It?s disgraceful.?