Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Roche. I will make a couple of points. The safe staffing mix and qualifications for staff are currently being looked at by a task force. We expect to receive that report very shortly. It is something we will act on as a Government.

As stated, safeguarding is an absolute priority. It should not be overlooked that there are safeguarding regulations in place, through the HSE and HIQA, regarding the abuse of people in nursing homes. Notwithstanding that, we must bring in legislation to strengthen the regulations.

I met representatives from HIQA on 4 June. I asked them two direct questions. I did not get a chance to refer to this with Deputy Cullinane due to time limitations. I asked if they had sufficient powers and resources. In both instances, they said yes. I am glad, on the basis of the work they have done in the past two weeks, they have now highlighted other areas that require changes, such as those relating to parents groups and that area of regulation. That is something we want to act on properly.

Another thing I have asked HIQA to do involves taking a practical measure. At the moment, the reports the authority issues are historic in nature. In other words, it only reports on what happened on a particular day. It might report two or three months after an inspection. I want HIQA to report with an updated position in respect of nursing homes. People who are putting loved ones into nursing homes or people going in themselves are entitled to know the up-to-date position in respect of a nursing home. Currently, they do not get that from the HIQA inspection reports. As a result, I have asked it to make that immediate change. Furthermore, in the context of one of the nursing homes, the issue that arose related to new staff coming in. Nursing homes should be required to advise HIQA where there is a change in staff. I have asked HIQA to bring those measures in. It can do so without any need for legislative change.