Jimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The shocking revelations contained in "Prime Time" have rightly precipitated enormous anger. The demographics of our society clearly indicate that the number of elderly people in Ireland is rising rapidly. In 2002, 11% of our population was over the age of 65 years. By 2030 that figure will have risen to almost 21%. This has important implications for the country. How the elderly will be cared for and how this care will be financed are two of the issues which must be addressed.

Care of the elderly is a complex issue. I have today written to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, Deputy Moloney, asking him to prioritise the issue in our work programme for the immediate future. A wide range of supports are available from care at home to long-term care in nursing homes and geriatric hospitals. The total cost of care for the elderly this year will be more than €1 billion. Undoubtedly the best place for an elderly person to obtain care is at home. The provision of home help packages should be extended and programmes such as Choice, a pilot programme operated in Sligo by the Health Service Executive north-west area, should be rolled out nationally. This excellent programme gives valuable support to elderly people.

I wish to raise the issues of inspection and supervision. Many long-term care institutions provide excellent care to the elderly, but some do not. I welcome the Minister's announcement of an independent inspectorate and urge him to resource it adequately and establish it without delay. It must have teeth so that deficiencies can be identified and responded to immediately. Any inspection visit should be unannounced and completely thorough. The inspectorate's remit should extend to both public and private facilities. Most will have nothing to fear and well run institutions will welcome such inspections. Elderly people need protection. Relatives and friends can act in loco parentis but, unfortunately, many elderly people in institutions do not have such support. The State must act on their behalf so that the appalling, degrading and brutal scenes witnessed on "Prime Time" are completely eradicated and those who perpetuate such acts are removed from care of the elderly.

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