Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have logged out and logged back in so I hope that has resolved it and the committee can hear me.

In response to Deputy Cullinane, it is shocking to think HIQA has been looking for powers to investigate individual complaints in nursing homes going back to 2013 and that has still not been dealt with. There was clearly a breakdown of some sort or a lack of co-operation between HIQA and the Department of Health. That is serious because smooth engagement and synergies are important with that.

I will concentrate on younger people in nursing homes. There are younger people who do not have mental health challenges in nursing homes, which could easily lead to mental health difficulties. A young person with a physical disability of whatever sort in a nursing home with older people because that is the only care that can be identified for that person is not in a good environment. I ask Dr. MacLellan how many people under 65 are in nursing homes. What is the Department doing to eliminate this practice and find more suitable accommodation for these young people?