Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)

I concur with the sentiments expressed by Deputy Devins and I welcome the debate that Fine Gael has set out. The last time I spoke on this issue was just after the "Prime Time" report. I echoed the sentiments expressed at that time by many Deputies that "Prime Time" had performed a great public service by highlighting the patient safety issue. It rightly focused us, for a change, on the treatment that elderly people within our society are receiving. I joined colleagues at that time in looking for legislation to be enacted to deal with the issues raised.

In that regard members of the Government have faced a "damned if we do, damned if we do not" scenario; we are criticised when legislation is introduced too slowly or too quickly. The Minister has simultaneously been accused of acting too quickly in terms of reform, and for acting too slowly on the relevant legislation. It seems she can never get it right. Some of the contributions so far would lead one to believe no action on the necessary legislation has taken place. The heads of the Bill were published by the Minister, Deputy Harney, in March this year. It is extraordinary, bordering on the hypocritical, for some in the Opposition to cry foul at this point, given that of the approximately 70 submissions received in the three-month consultation period on the Bill, not one was received from Opposition parties.

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