Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

Did the Minister read the amendment? The proposal is that there be a requirement for nursing homes to notify the Department of people who have become permanent residents. That is how the Department would pick up on it. I am not saying people are intentionally trying to defraud the State; that may not be the case. People are busy and have lots on their minds, and there are other issues to be considered when a person goes into a nursing home. Thus, it may not occur to people to inform the Department. It is a weakness in the system if there is no process in place to ensure the Department is notified.

See this speech in context