Mr. Mervyn Taylor:

No. There is little time available in the meeting, but the simple fact is that, more than any talk of forums or public inquiries, we need integration of the private nursing home sector into the wider framework of health and social care. There has to be some link on clinical governance and nursing support across each of the six new HSE regions planned under Sláintecare. There was a constructional problem with private nursing homes, in that they were literally outsourced and forgotten about. I am clear on that.

Regarding a voice, I look forward to legislation that will legitimise the role of independent advocates. I remember private nursing homes throwing our staff out and not allowing them to contact residents. That is a rare occasion, but it has happened. When we talk about a voice, we need to talk about a right for independent advocacy and recognising that practice in law.