James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Since the House last met, we have had the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into illegal nursing home charges. The report has undermined public confidence in the committee system operated by this House, even though it has functioned very well in the past. There is much concern that the report was about the protection of sinners and it is regarded as censorship at its best. No political responsibility has been taken for the illegal charges which have cost the State in excess of €1 billion. It is a sad day for democracy. There was a proposal for the adoption of a Cabinet style system in this country, similar to that which exists within the EU. If that system was in place, we would at least have the resignation of the Cabinet and Government with regard to this matter. What has taken place is scandalous. Nobody in Government has borne the responsibility, which is shameful.