Gillian Toole (Meath East, Independent)

Everybody here is ageing. We are here to represent older people and it is incumbent on us to act with a focus on solutions and a sense of urgency. Most people will, hopefully, age well at home with the necessary community and healthcare supports initiated by older person's councils through the Age Friendly Ireland initiatives. I think of Ita Healy and Barbara McCool in Meath, who are tireless champions for older people.

Some people, for a multitude of reasons, will require nursing home support. There are many excellent places in Meath East where caring, competent and empathetic teams look after residents. However, so much is based on trust. The questions that must be asked are whether residents are safe, if the care is excellent and how care can be improved and provided as close to home as possible.

Twenty years ago, the Leas Cross scandal had a significant impact, leading to the setting up of HIQA. Standards of care improved and robust inspection systems were established for a time. In August 2020, the report of the Covid-19 nursing homes expert panel made 86 recommendations, including a framework for safe staffing and skills mix. Whistleblowing GPs voiced their concerns. Marcus de Brún and others, now awaiting fitness to practise hearings at a time when we need GPs in communities, had their concerns ignored and were vilified. As of now, the framework is still in development and remains to be implemented.

Interdepartmental collaboration on this issue is most welcome. The forthcoming safeguarding legislation is to be commended. Private operators must uphold the highest standards of care. They can afford to invest in their people and facilities. HIQA must be adequately resourced and whistleblowers must be listened to. Forward planning for ageing well is critical. Life is precious and the later lives of those who built this country must be planned for, safeguarded and valued.

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