Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In a large number of these facilities - I am talking about more than 20 - the people are all over 70 but they have a structure in place as regards the care being provided. Looking at the drafting of the section, it would appear to me to give the power to an inspector to go into such a facility. Will that be looked at? Concerns are being raised about it.

This legislation applies to both HSE facilities and private facilities. Then there are certain facilities that come under the Mental Health Commission. I previously gave an example at this committee where there were 26 residents in a mental health facility, or a geriatric psychiatric facility, and nine of them died within two weeks because the facilities just were not adequate. I am concerned. Am I correct that an inspector does not have the power to go into such a facility, because it comes in under the Mental Health Commission?