Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I am sure he is very supportive of that facility, the success of which we are trying to duplicate elsewhere. However, I will not open up any further the debate on that matter.

I thank Deputies for their comments and for their support in respect of this motion to establish the commission of investigation into what happened at Leas Cross. It is clear that we must learn lessons, particularly in the context of the response from those in authority. Since the events at Leas Cross we have published new draft standards. It is important to have such draft standards in order that consultation may take place. Deputy Twomey recently informed me at a committee meeting that we were engaging in overkill. However, we want standards that are appropriate, effective and enforceable.

Following the passage of the Health Act, the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority will take effect from 11 May and its social services inspectorate will mean that for the first time the inspection of public and private nursing homes will take place. It is appropriate that all nursing homes, regardless of whether they are in the public or private sector, should be subject to scrutiny by the same inspectorate.

Deputy Seán Ryan stated that he was making his final contribution to this Dáil. I genuinely pay tribute to the Deputy and wish him well. Everyone was surprised when he announced his intention not to seek re-election. Deputy Seán Ryan has been a very well respected and hard working Member of Dáil Éireann for many years.

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