James Breen (Clare, Independent)

Are hospitals tipped off in advance of inspections? The Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, should be concerned about the psychiatric hospital in Limerick. A few months ago, before the inspection took place, if one stood still one was cleaned. Cleaners arrived at 6 o'clock that morning but have not been seen outside regular hours since then. This suggests staff were tipped off about the inspection. Is that true and is that happening? What will the Minister of State do to stamp it out? Nursing homes and hospitals should not be tipped off. A second Limerick hospital was also tipped off in advance.

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