Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I fully support a debate on private nursing homes. The mission statement for the Leas Cross nursing home claims: "The care we provide to our customers is second to none." It claims to have in-house medical consultants and its website states: "We listen to our residents . . . if there is anything extra they need we provide it for them." The website also claims: "We provide residential care of the highest quality for those seeking a pleasant retirement. We listen to our residents and are constantly seeking to improve our service." Last night's programme showed evidence of psychological and physical abuse which is disgraceful. People who watched the programme were moved to tears.

I commend those involved in the making of the "Prime Time" programme. I also commend the Minister of State for calling on the Garda to carry out an investigation and press charges against those engaged in the psychological warfare carried out against those old people, which was despicable.