Joe Callanan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this necessary Bill, which will leave behind poor standards of inspection in the HSE regional areas and create better standards in all our nursing homes, private and public, so never again will we see old people ill-treated, as happened in Leas Cross. Our elderly are entitled to be looked after in a proper and caring environment. I welcome that under the Bill there will be a fully independent inspectorate for all nursing homes for older people, as well as centres for people with disabilities and children.

The Health Information and Quality Authority has very strong powers. It will set national standards and a chief inspector will inspect residential facilities against these standards. Where necessary, the Bill provides for action to be taken quickly to protect service users. This includes provision for urgent closure of centres. There will no longer be an issue with regard to legal capacity to urgently shut down a failing nursing home or residential care unit.

It is fair to note that many private nursing homes have high standards and provide a very good service for their patients in a kind and friendly way. I compliment the Minister, Deputy Harney, for the increase in the amount of subvention from the standard rate of €190 to €300 per week. As she is aware, the amount of subvention paid in the west was grossly unfair when compared to the rest of the country.

I compliment the nurses and care staff in St. Brendan's hospital for the elderly in Loughrea for the great care they provide. I look forward to the building of a new unit there as soon as possible. A new unit for the elderly is also sanctioned for St. Brigid's psychiatric hospital and will be built shortly. This community welfare home is necessary to cater for the Ballinasloe catchment area and the elderly from St. Brigid's hospital.

I welcome the commitment of the Minister to the home care packages. I am a strong supporter of home care for the elderly. Every elderly person should have the choice to be cared for in his or her own home for as long as possible. It is where every person would like to spend his or her final years, although this is not always possible. The introduction of home care packages, increased home help and the easier access to carer's allowance will allow more elderly people to remain in their homes.

Another piece of the home care jigsaw needs support, namely, services provided by the social services, which provide meals on wheels to the elderly and bus them to their local social services day centres, where they can avail of many services and socialise with other elderly people during a game of cards, bingo or other entertainment. This service is important for these people and provides a break to their carers. Respite care is also an important aspect of home care programmes as it provides short breaks for carers.

I cannot let this opportunity pass without complimenting Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe for the great care provided there. I hope it will not be too long before a new accident and emergency unit is provided because the current space is inadequate. I welcome the Bill and look forward to an excellent service for the elderly and for children, a service that will be well monitored and that will ensure nobody abuses the system.

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