Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I agree with all of those who expressed their shock at the programme broadcast last night. The way in which we care for our elderly people reflects the type of society in which we live. When families research a nursing home and pay money to have their elderly parents looked after, they are entitled to the best of care. When the State entrusts someone to the care of a nursing home, it is obliged to ensure that person is cared for properly. The Minister must put in place the regulations necessary to ensure we get the best of care for our elderly people. We were told this morning that legislation would be in place by next spring, but we cannot wait that long. We do not want any more elderly people placed in danger and what we saw last night is happening in other nursing homes.