Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

A number of people have referred to standards. When Deputy O'Dowd and others highlighted the horrors of the Leas Cross nursing home scandal, the Minister gave a commitment in the House that new standards for residential care would be introduced as a priority. More than three years later, it has still not occurred. A number of Deputies have emphasised this point in the House forcibly. Hopefully, when the Minister replies to the debate, she will be specific in her announcement of the new standards and will provide the House with a date.

In January 2007, draft standards for residential care settings for the elderly were published and formally referred to HIQA for finalisation. On 11 March 2008, HIQA approved the standards and submitted them for the Minister's approval, as required under section 10(2) of the Health Act 2007. To date, the standards have not been approved and it is unclear as to when that will occur. It is crucial that they be finalised and enforced as a matter of priority. The Minister must confirm and clarify whether they will comply compulsorily to both private and public nursing homes and, if so, the timeframe for their implementation.

According to the Minister, draft standards and the regulations required to underpin them are subject to a regulatory impact assessment before finalisation. Will she clarify when that assessment will be finalised and when the approved standards and regulations will be put in place? It is important that she provide this information in her reply this afternoon or whenever.

What plans does the Minister have to ensure that public nursing homes, which are often older than private nursing homes, will be able to cope with the cost of meeting new standards? From discussions with a number of private nursing home owners, I know that this is a concern for the public homes. They are worried that they will not be able to meet the new standards. Will the Minister of State clarify whether there is an intention to help the people in question?

Under the new scheme, money will follow the patient. Public nursing homes will compete with private nursing homes, but the latter already offer more competitive prices. Will there be a decrease in the number of public beds and a move towards private care? Ultimately, it is a matter of resources. Currently, the subvention scheme costs more than €900 million. Are there enough resources in the 2009 Estimates to ensure that the fair deal is initiated, standards are met and assessments are carried out? It looks as if there are not, but I look forward to the Minister of State's response to my questions.

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