Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The inspection process is a vital need. Deputy Ryan raised this issue in the past, and all credit to him for that. Other Deputies have also raised the issue. Previously, each of the ten health board areas had discretion to adapt the procedure to suit the workings of their own inspection teams. That was provided for in the Nursing Home (Care and Welfare) Regulations of 1993. However, the inspection process is currently being updated, following the commencement of the Health Service Executive which is unifying the workings of the inspection teams nationwide.

The legislation that established the Health Service Executive was subjected to a great deal of obstruction and delay in this House, which I witnessed, by the Opposition parties.

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