Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this motion. I compliment my Fine Gael colleague, Deputy O'Dowd, on the consistent hard work he has done in this area. The episode of "Prime Time" that was broadcast last Monday was harrowing and frightening. It highlighted the appalling neglect and, in effect, abuse of elderly people in our society. The core of this issue is that we do not know how widespread this problem is. The Government has failed in this regard by not putting in place a proper inspectorate. Everyone in the House is aware of some excellent and fine nursing home care facilities in the public and private sectors. We are also aware of some very poor facilities, however. I refer not just to nursing homes but to hospitals, for example. Like other Deputies, I have heard criticisms of the cleanliness of hospital facilities.

Last Monday night's television programme brought the issue of nursing home care to the fore of everyone's attention. It is important to bear in mind, however, that it is not the first time the issue has been highlighted. I do not remember when this matter was raised 21 years ago, but I heard that case mentioned on RTE radio this morning. It seems that public representatives received the same reaction on that occasion.

See this speech in context