Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

Like everyone else, I was horrified by the "Prime Time" exposé. We have great nursing homes both public and private in County Kerry. We have great staff. They are second to none and do their very best. I cannot understand why different rates are paid to public and private nursing homes. I cannot understand that. There is no better place for elderly people to age than at home. We should strive to bring more of that model in here. That is the model in places like Denmark. They are better off staying in their own homes for as long as possible. When that fails, they have to go to a nursing home because they need special care. There needs to be accountability but HIQA is apparently only looking at buildings, doors and windows and not at the people themselves. That is very important. Old people brought us to where we are today.

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