Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for attending. This is an extremely serious matter. The public expects answers and accountability. Representatives from HIQA were here this morning. We were delighted to meet them but there were certain things such as, under the existing framework, the idea that there were not enough gloves, incontinence wear, sheets and towels in a nursing home. These are countable items. That is not related to culture. That is something that should, under the current regime, be inspectable. The staffing levels are really important. That conversation going on with the Department of Health and HIQA about staffing levels will be extremely important. Regarding individual complaints, we need to be able to facilitate that. I must reiterate too that there should be the ability for HIQA to directly fine corporates that do not keep to the rules. It should not have to go into the courts. There should be a financial penalty.

This is my final point, because I do not want to hog the time and there are other people who want to speak. On the question of private versus public, I came in here with the preconceived idea that this was only corporate. I have concerns about the increasing congregation of people in nursing homes run by corporates. HIQA did reflect today that a considerable number of public nursing homes are under restriction also. I will leave it at that. The Minister of State might reflect on that.