Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy will have a couple of minutes to speak on this later. The Chair has not given me much time today to say my few words. I have listened to the full debate and I repeat that we gave commitments to the House. As was outlined last night, legislation is being prepared in the Department to provide for the establishment on a statutory basis of the health information and quality authority, HIQA, and a social services inspectorate function as part of it. That is a commitment which will be honoured. Public consultation on the draft heads and the general scheme of a Bill providing for the establishment of the HIQA has been carried out. Included in the scheme is provision for the establishment of an office of the chief inspector of social services with the HIQA. The office of the chief inspector will be assigned responsibility for the inspection of residential services for older people, including private nursing homes. We intend to seek Government approval as soon as possible to commence drafting the full Bill. It is intended that the Bill will be published during the autumn session.

I emphasise that we have shown commitment both in drafting the legislation and in providing funds for older people, which is very much a priority with them. We shall ensure older people are given the type of care they deserve and that those who decide to open nursing homes will be obliged to give a high level of care to all their clients. It is nothing more than they deserve and we will ensure this care is provided for them.

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