James Breen (Clare, Independent)

The current lack of proper regulations and the lack of an independent nursing home inspectorate is a disgraceful situation. It is incredible in this day and age that such an important factor in our society, care for the elderly, is being overlooked and placed on the back burner. Many of the people in nursing homes are responsible for the success of the country. They have worked hard for most of their lives and have made the State what it is today. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude for what they have done for us. At a minimum we owe it to them to ensure they have a proper lifestyle and are treated with dignity and respect. To ensure this happens in nursing homes, we must have proper regulations and structures in place.

The current abuse highlighted by RTE is evidence enough that there is a need to establish an independent nursing home inspectorate immediately. Such an inspectorate should be for all nursing homes, whether public, private or voluntary. It should have the necessary powers and resources to allow it to carry out its functions fully. It is vital that the inspectorate is composed of the appropriate professionals in order to examine all aspects of nursing home services. It must have the necessary resources and powers to implement changes and make necessary improvements.

The reports of all inspections must be made publicly available so everyone can be informed of any issues that may arise. These reports should be available free of charge to everyone, so there is adequate information and transparency about standards in our nursing homes. People cannot be shut away and forced to live in substandard conditions. The general public should be made aware at all times of the conditions in which our senior citizens are living.

Elderly people are in a vulnerable position in our society and may sometimes be dependent on others to cater for their needs. We cannot condone these people being shut away in nursing homes, while ignoring the standards of care involved. We have moral and legal obligations to take care of the elderly. In order to fulfil these obligations, I call on the Government to act immediately to implement the required proposals. To this end, the Government should waste no time in bringing the necessary legislation before the House. It is not good enough that anyone requiring our help should be abused in any way. This situation must be rectified immediately.

I have read the Minister of State's remarks as reported in the newspapers. I know he is genuinely sincere in what he is attempting to do.

The MRSA superbug nearly took my life last year. What chance have we got if nursing homes are allowed to operate in which the MRSA superbug is rampant? If people are allowed to develop bedsores, as we saw on that television programme, what chance have we of combating MRSA? Last October, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, made a commitment to me to investigate how I was treated when I contracted the MRSA superbug. I am lucky to be here today to raise this matter in the House. I ask the Minister of State to consult with the Minister and ask her to report to me on whether the treatment I received was adequate.

I nearly lost my life as a result of the superbug. We cannot allow the MRSA superbug to continue its grip on our hospitals. Something must be done. If it happens in prisons or anywhere else we will be in dire straits.

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