Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, to the House and thank him for attending at such short notice. It was only decided to take the business this morning. I welcome the opportunity to address the nursing homes issue and thank Senator Brian Hayes for putting it on the agenda by giving up his party's Private Members' time. The debate is timely for it is right to strike while the iron is hot. Sadly, the iron is a very hot one in this instance.

The story outlined in the "Prime Time" investigation on Monday night was shocking, outrageous and appalling. Viewers could not believe their eyes. As I watched the programme with my 19 year old daughter, there were times when I had a tear in my eye. I told her that I could imagine, given my upset and shock despite not currently having a relative in a nursing home — though I have had in the past — what people with elderly family members in nursing homes were feeling as they watched. I thought of the kind of night they would have when they went to bed. I was terribly touched and affected by the programme.

I record my congratulations to the "Prime Time" team and the programme's investigative journalist. It is not the first time they have been congratulated in the House nor will it be the last. It is wonderful to have the service they provide. I record also the appreciation of all Members for Mr. Justice Frank Clarke who did not issue a blocking injunction against the programme. As he rightly pointed out, the programme raised matters of great public importance. If it were not for Mr. Justice Clarke's actions, the Seanad would not be taking statements on the matter as Members would not have seen the programme. I look forward to Mr. Justice Clarke's final report which is due to be published on 8 June.

The most shocking aspect of the programme were the allegations that patients were receiving substandard care. While we saw graphic footage, it should be remembered that the actions are alleged. We saw that bedding was not changed when patients had wet it, while a particular patient was forced to take his medication. The most appalling aspect of forcing the patient to take his medicine was the bullying to the effect that he would have to go to hospital if he refused to co-operate. When the patient used strong language, I commended him as it was exactly what I would have done.

Where a family had paid for a night assistant for an elderly relative, no one was sitting in with the lady in question at night. When the investigator asked if the relatives knew this was happening, the answer was "No, and nobody will tell us". It was an example of fraud. The nursing home in question took money from a family and provided nothing in return. I am glad the Minister of State has brought the matter to the attention of the Garda.

Unfortunately, as a result of the broadcast, the entire nursing home sector has come under fire. We must remember that not all the apples are bad. The great majority of nursing home care is delivered effectively, caringly and compassionately in what are often very difficult circumstances. We all know people with family members who suffer from Alzheimer's disease, incontinence or other serious complaints which affect elderly people and who receive excellent care and attention in long-stay nursing homes. We take our hats off to such professionally and compassionately staffed homes.

I am glad to say Leas Cross has agreed the HSE can intervene.