James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

That is fine. I can make a free speech with no problem.

It is not a question of an evaluation report. It is a question of putting in place real protection for the elderly and vulnerable in our society. We have read stories in the press of people being relieved of money to pay for petrol; being asked for loans. A whole array of things is going on. I have met some of the people delivering home care and they are also very unhappy. The HSE is providing these services but not inspecting them. The history of the HSE in residential care leaves much to be desired and requires to be inspected by an independent body such as HIQA. When will these inspections, the regulatory body and the standards be put in place so that the most vulnerable in our society are protected and the taxpayer gets value for money?

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