Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I, too, thank Dr. Tracey Cooper for her work. I found her to be a bubbly, straight-talking person who, more important, was passionate about her job. Since the establishment of HIQA, the authority has raised the bar for those who reside and work in nursing homes and provided an insight into how such homes should be run.

Having read parts of the report, I compliment its authors on its clear layout. As someone who does not read much, I was impressed by its graphics and so on.

I had intended to ask the same question Deputy Healy asked on the reason some visits are announced while others are unannounced.

Why does that happen? Why does HIQA announce that it is turning up? Could they give a broader response on that? On the 2,776 suspected abuse claims, how many of them would prove to be valid? They might be able to fill us in on that.

I also had down what Deputy Seamus Healy asked about older nursing homes. In particular, I refer to one in my area, Cherry Orchard, which is run by the HSE and which provides excellent care. I get many requests from families to have their loved ones put there in long-term care. Some parts of the hospital, although not dilapidated, could do with a general uplift. Sometimes that can put people off when they go to visit these places, particularly if they are going to put a family member in long-term care. I do not know what can be done through HIQA or through the HSE, but the standard of care is excellent. People are happy with the service, but the appearance of some of the wards can be a little off-putting because they date from when there were large dormitories with many beds. Although they probably cannot do anything about it, I would be interested in their comments.