Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I have listened to the debate last night and today and, to be honest, I found it useful and a number of the suggestions were quite helpful. I would, perhaps, single out Deputy Finian McGrath for the measured response in his short contribution. I also acknowledge the research done by Deputy O'Dowd and the commitment he has shown as regards the provision of care in nursing homes. It is normal that the difficulties that arise in the system are those that are highlighted here. We must be careful, however, not to frighten old people and indeed their families. In my experience the majority of homes are well run and good care is provided. Our job is to ensure that the highest standard of care is provided not just in the majority of homes but in all homes.

The Government is firmly committed to developing and improving services for older people. Last night, my colleagues, the Ministers of State, Deputies Brian Lenihan and Tim O'Malley, outlined to the House the unprecedented levels of investment specifically targeted at improving services for the older population and directed particularly at keeping older people at home. I am happy to have the opportunity to respond to some of the issues raised in last night's debate and to update Deputies on the current position as regards the report on Leas Cross nursing home.

Deputies will be aware that the HSE asked Professor Desmond O'Neill, a consultant geriatrician in Tallaght General Hospital, to write a report for it on the deaths of residents at Leas Cross. The report, based on documents only, in line with the terms of reference agreed with the HSE, was submitted to it earlier this year. At this stage before publication, it is not appropriate to go into details on either the contents of the report or the difficulties expressed by the HSE's legal advisers. However, I can say that in general the concerns of the legal advisers cover the process used by Professor O'Neill in the drafting of the report and some of the conclusions. The HSE is attempting to resolve the legal difficulties with Professor O'Neill. Both the Minister for Health and Children and I want to see the report published as soon as possible and wish to have any remaining obstacles to its publication removed. I emphasise that. We can all learn from the report if it is published. Difficulties exist and I hope they can be overcome. I make the point again, however, that the HSE asked for the report. I know a question was asked about the ownership of the report, but the point must be made that it was the HSE which commissioned it.

See this speech in context