Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

There was not a person in here who was not shocked when they read the story in The Irish Times recently about people with an intellectual disability in residential care. I know the Tánaiste has an interest in the area so she knows it is simply a matter of extending standards to institutions that care for people with an intellectual or physical disability. As we have discussed here on many occasions, some of the standards are on very simple matters such as respect, choice of food, heating, visiting and being able to move freely. Inspection is important and the inspectorate is the area which will cost money. The legislation exists and it is a matter of extending it. In view of what we read in recent days, I am sure the Tánaiste would be in favour of moving it along as speedily as possible.

See this speech in context