Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This House would be unanimous in its concern about any digression from the highest standards of care one would expect, particularly for people who are elderly or vulnerable, people who are part of the mental health services and people living in community care settings. I would apologise to any family - I understand four cases were highlighted - for any digression from the standard of care which we are all entitled to expect. Of course that is the situation. It is not a question of being big enough or small enough to apologise. It is a question of this behaviour not being justified in any case, regardless of the number of people who are receiving proper care, thankfully. I do not accept the opening remark made by the Deputy - it was obviously geared more towards the headlines - to the effect that we are rotten to the core as a society. I do not accept that.

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