Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

There is a certain understanding and realisation that there is an issue regarding elder abuse, the vast majority of which, unfortunately, takes place in people's own homes. We are aware that the issue exists, but it came as a terrible surprise to people to see the type of abuse that went on in that home. We must be honest and say that, while there are gaps in the legislation, if people want to abuse old people, it is impossible for us to prevent it. If they are bad enough and want to do it, no matter what legislation is in place, they will do it. When I saw that person I wondered, if they did that to an older person in the company of a third party, what he might do when alone.

It is obvious that the inspectorate we had in place was not working. We will give the new inspectorate the powers to deal with such situations. We will put that in place in the autumn. In the meantime, I will meet regularly with the HSE, and I hope it will devote more resources to that area until such time as the independent inspectorate is put in place.

I thank Members once again for their contributions. In fairness to nursing homes, from our experience of visiting family and friends in them, we would have a different view and experience from what we saw on Monday night. The vast majority of nursing home staff would themselves have been disgusted that a nursing home should cast such a cloud over others throughout the country. I know it is their wish and desire that we make the necessary changes to legislation and regulations to ensure it is easier to identify which homes are providing the high standards we all require and that the older people of the country deserve.