Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The intention is to publish the inspection reports from mid-July. I am not certain what form the publication will take. I will discuss that with the HSE but it would be common practice to have it on the Internet. I will certainly ensure that happens because it is more convenient from the point of view of families and the public and the perspective of the HSE.

When the HSE purchases nursing home places, the inspection record is crucial in that regard. It is important, in the context of making agreements with nursing homes to take particular patients for a period of time, that regard is taken of the standard of the nursing home. Last year, beds were offered that were not procured because of the results of previous inspections. I accept that we need to strengthen the law in this area. I dealt with that issue in reply to earlier questions.

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