Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This motion calls for a public inquiry into what happened in nursing homes. We all accept that there were failings by the State and other factors that have to be investigated. There are lessons that we have to understand and then there are actions that we have to implement. All of us offer our condolences to the families who have been through absolutely abject tragedy. We also show solidarity with those people who have worked through very difficult periods and did all they could in nursing homes, but the question remains. There were failings and the State has had major failings. A number of reports have been produced in the past while and we know there are actions to follow from them. We must ensure that happens.

Deputy Cullinane has also asked that we get the safeguarding aspects and the framework correct and that we have social care teams front and centre. HIQA is on record as stating that it does not have the powers that are required to carry out the regulatory job it has to do. All these parts need to be put in place because, at this point in time, we are failing to look after elderly people in the community. It is just not good enough, so we have to take action. It is absolutely necessary.

I doubt that the Ministers of State will be shocked when I raise, once again, the issue of Dealgan House Nursing Home, the absolute tragedy that over 20 people lost their lives and the families who were detrimentally impacted by this at the beginning of the pandemic. The Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, met the families. The Minister stated that they need a mechanism to allow them to get answers. The families are making freedom of information requests and putting forward parliamentary questions from some Deputies, including me. They are meeting the HSE and the RCSI Hospitals Group. They are carrying out an investigation on their own. That is not good enough. I accept that there is a disputed narrative, but the only means of getting to the truth is to have a full public inquiry. It is not enough for the Department of Health to set up a mechanism for grieving families to have somebody to talk to. There must be full investigative powers. I commend the motion to the House.

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