Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, following the "Prime Time" programme, the focus of attention was on the Leas Cross nursing home and the need to tackle the systematic and grossly unacceptable practices in place there. However, the issues raised by the television programme are of much wider import and relate to the abuse of elderly people in general.

This Government has failed elderly citizens. It has presided over a hopeless inspection regime that gives advance notice of inspection and does not carry out the minimum number of inspections required by law. Only 80 private nursing homes were inspected once last year; over 480 homes should have been inspected twice. The inspection regime does not have the power to close nursing homes where standards are inadequate and it allowed the Leas Cross scandal to happen. That scandal, by implication, drags down the reputation of all nursing homes, some of which have exceptionally high standards and provide excellent nursing care.

Responsibility for the inadequate regime lies with the Taoiseach and his Government. Promises were made in 2001 to introduce legislation to deal with this matter. Promises were also made to implement recommendations on elderly abuse. These promises have not been fulfilled.

Is the Taoiseach prepared to introduce legislation for a new, independent inspectorate in the coming weeks? Last December, the Tánaiste rushed through legislation to deal with illegal charges for long-stay beds. The Government should show the same urgency in drafting legislation to protect elderly people as it did in attempting to take 80% of their pension payments. Members on this side of the House will facilitate the Government in ensuring that the Bill is introduced and passed before the summer recess.

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