James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State will acknowledge that there are 8,000 adults and 400 children in institutions of care and that there are no independent inspectors. Hundreds of complaints have been made about these institutions in the past two years. These complaints relate to issues from poor accommodation to allegations of abuse or neglect. Last year, the Ryan report illustrated the extent of the abuse that took place in industrial schools in the past. This week, "Primetime" reminded us of the dreadful living conditions and absence of therapeutic treatments in State psychiatric hospitals and institutions.

I know the Minister of State accepts that we must protect the disabled from abuse. I put it to him, however, that the €5 million that could have been saved by applying the full 5% pay cut to senior civil servants would pay for this inspectorate to be put in place by the end of the year. I am seeking from him a commitment to the effect that he will find the money to allow this to happen. We are discussing the most vulnerable people in our society and they must be protected.

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