Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for their advice. I am a bit concerned about this legislation. Can we be certain that the proposals before us are adequate to deal with situations that have been brought to our attention in the past, whether in respect of older people, people with disabilities or other vulnerable people? Can we be assured that it is adequate to safeguard their interests and meet requirements of existing legislation, as well as this legislation, now and into the future? We should keep in mind the number of situations that have been brought to our attention over the past number of years, for one reason or another, that did not reflect well on the system. Incidentally, there are countless nursing homes and institutions all over the country that have done well, operate to a very high standard and continue to do so. However, we need to know, as Deputy Burke said, that adequate resourcing is made available to ensure that the highest standards prevail. Are the officials happy that this is the case?