Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

That is the theory but, in practice, the position is completely different. Does the Tánaiste accept that older people in need of care, especially those who must leave their homes and go into long-stay institutional care, are among the most vulnerable in society? Does she accept we do not have a fair and equitable system of financing care? Does she accept we do not have clear and transparent rights and entitlements for older people in nursing homes? We do not have a system that ensures quality care is delivered. Does the Tánaiste accept we have allowed care facilities to develop in response to tax laws rather than to the real needs of older people?

Is the Tánaiste aware — this is some of the information sought in the question that I did not get — that as far back as 2004 and earlier, problems in nursing homes, such as staff shortages, nursing policy issues, maintenance and accommodation standards, hygiene, lack of activities for residents and lack of equipment, were known to her Department and officially recognised as such? Does the Tánaiste accept that nothing has been done? Does she accept that the lack of care of older people as well as the neglect of younger people, as witnessed in recent days, is the hallmark of the Government? Rather than speak about the issue, when will the Tánaiste deal with the issue?

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