Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

On a related matter, the in loco parentisclause in home-care nursing contracts was a key element in last evenings Private Members' business, motion adopted unanimously here in this House. The response that is issued in replies to parliamentary questions, which was repeated orally last night, can be summed up as follows: when the national quality assurance process is complete, the national steering group for children with complex medical conditions will review the in loco parentisissue. This, like the reply we have received on the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD, is a case of mañana, mañana, mañana. That is what it amounts to. It is any and every excuse to delay change and progress. Has the Taoiseach seen the "Prime Time" programme of Thursday night last? Is he conscious and aware of the real impact of the in loco parentisclause on parents struggling with very ill children, often with life-limiting conditions? I appeal to the Taoiseach that there be no more consideration and no more delay. It is within the gift of the Taoiseach and the Government to abolish this most offensive clause that is causing massive distress for already hard-pressed and very stressed parents across this land.

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