Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In his Ard-Fheis speech two years ago, the Taoiseach said in respect of those who would put their own interests before the national interest that he would see to it that his Government would use all its power to put the people first. On 1 June, the Taoiseach told the House, "the problem in the Leas Cross case was not a lack of inspections". Are we to understand that the nursing home management was notified of inspections to take place? If there were adequate inspections, why did they not uncover the gross incompetence and appalling behaviour at this nursing home? Why did we have to wait for a "Prime Time" report to have this information published nationally? What does the Hynes report say about these inspections?

The Taoiseach's response in this matter has been to again engage in what has become the mantra for this Government of hand wringing and excuses. Nobody stands up, nobody takes responsibility and nobody is to blame because nobody cares. The complacency and arrogance that have crept into the Government will not wash anymore.

If the Taoiseach believes the Government is in a position to look after the elderly and that it wants them, in many cases, to have the facility to stay in their homes rather than be obliged to go to institutions, why is it that in response to a Dáil question in April last year to Deputy Neville, the then Minister for Health and Children said that 8.8 million hours of home help were provided in 2003 but the HSE's recent national plan makes it clear that only 6.9 million were provided last year and the same for this year? This is an appalling scandal.

Does the Taoiseach agree that the ship of State he is guiding is holed below the plimsoll line and is sinking fast? This type of ineptitude, incompetence, arrogance and uncaring attitude will ultimately bring about his demise at the hands of the people.

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