Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The dialogue between the Department and the nursing homes' representatives has been very useful. I acknowledge this because they have done so. The traditional nursing home sector has existed pretty much without regulation for too long. Who is to blame is a separate issue, but we all turned away at various times when we should have been more vigilant. Unfortunately, it was sometimes the media that took the lead, not politicians. The issue I raise pertains to a classic case in that regard. We were essentially led into this and are being requested to do something that should have been done years ago. As I stated and as others stated across parties, we need to regulate the sector.

I will not address all facets of the debate as it would take too long to do so. I am delighted to hear the Minister is open to continuing the discussions. That in itself is good, but we should have an open mind in order that all stakeholders, including those who work in nursing homes, will have an input. I would appreciate it if the Minister of State passed this matter on to the Minister.

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