Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

Does the Minister of State accept that what he is experiencing is the direct result of misguided policy? Professor O'Neill made it clear that over-reliance on the private sector had made the task of protecting residents more difficult because it was harder to maintain quality in private nursing homes than in community nursing homes. Those were his words. Is the Minister of State aware of the great shortage of public health doctors? There are many vacancies in the HSE because of the changes that occurred. We do not have dedicated and trained teams carrying out these inspections. Can the Minister of State comment on these shortcomings? He could also comment on those with disabilities in institutional care. What checks verify that inspections are carried out in an acceptable fashion? Is the Minister of State aware of criticisms regarding the infringement of residents' rights? Residents are sometimes asked quite personal questions in public spaces in nursing homes when inspections are carried out.

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