Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I have always been of the view that when one is discussing people who are easily convinced of the doomsday situation, one must be very careful with regard to the language one uses. I refer here to the use of words such as "disastrous" and "calamitous" and to asking where people should go. We have not reached that point and I do not believe we will reach it. Families and communities in this country are extremely caring.

A recommendation has not yet been made. The consultation process will take three months to complete and if a recommendation is made at that point, then HIQA will have to be given six months notice in respect of it. It is all in Abbeyleix community nursing unit's favour that the process involved is slow. Neither the relevant files nor the consultations in which I have engaged with the Department have indicated there is a foregone conclusion in respect of this matter. When discussing older people who always feel a degree of insecurity with regard to their position, we must be very careful with regard to what we say. I appeal to the Deputy to allow the process to take its course. The process will take as long as it takes.

There is no policy in respect of the downgrading of public facilities. The Government is committed to ensuring there will be a sufficient number of public beds to cater for people who require long-stay care. In the context of two areas, namely, mental health and disability, I have been charged with removing people from institutions. There is a rush to place older people into institutions and I am of the view that we need to consider a different way to do things.

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