Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

——and would be subject to the points I already outlined. A total of 298 homes were inspected twice and 55 homes were inspected three times or more. In general, where problems occur, the inspectors from the HSE discuss the details with the nursing home operators and this generally ensures that matters are addressed. It is in this area of discussion that many concerns were raised by the Opposition. This issue will be considered in the review of the regulations. The social services inspectorate was established in April 1999, initially on an administrative basis. A commitment has been made to establish the body on a statutory basis. I fully support the proposal to establish the social services inspectorate on a statutory basis. I salute the magnificent work done by the body in inspecting children's facilities throughout the country. In the context of the health reform programme, added emphasis is being placed on setting and monitoring standards generally. The brief of the social services inspectorate will be extended to include residential services for older people. The establishment of the inspectorate on a statutory basis will strengthen its role and give it the independence it needs in the performance of its functions. It will increase public confidence in State and voluntary social services.

In line with the agreement reached yesterday by the Health Service Executive and the nursing home in question, a director of nursing from the northern area of the HSE commenced work in the nursing home today. The Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, has received a commitment from the chief executive of the relevant HSE area that he will receive a progress report on the operation of the action plan within a month. The Minister of State also wrote to the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy, yesterday. He asked the Garda Commissioner to meet representatives of the HSE as a matter of urgency to discuss issues that have arisen with a view to identifying matters which should be followed up by the Garda.

Deputies expressed concern yesterday evening about the current situation at Rostrevor nursing home, which the former South Western Area Health Board attempted to close in the High Court last year. The Department, which received the most recent inspection report today, has been informed that an inspection took place on 25 May 2005. The inspection team met the person in charge and the proprietor. Another nurse was also on duty at the time. The team noted that 12 people were resident in the nursing home, which has capacity for 23 residents. A bathroom with full disabled access has been installed in the home, which is being refurbished at present. The inspection team was satisfied, when the inspection took place, that the nursing home was complying with the Nursing Home (Care and Welfare) Regulations 1993.

A great deal of work has been done in respect of nursing home regulation since the publication of the Mercer report on the financing of long-term care and the O'Shea expenditure review. The publication of the reports led to a review of legislation on nursing homes.

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