Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I, too, would like Professor Des O'Neill's report on the Leas Cross nursing home to be published. While publication would be in the public interest, we must also bear in mind the legal advice the Health Service Executive has obtained in this matter. I am also a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children and, like Senator Henry, have seen the advice given to the HSE. I am led to believe the report contains the names of staff and others. If, as Senator Ryan demanded, the Minister for Health and Children were to bring the report before the joint committee using legislation enacted in 2004, we would run the risk of having named individuals pilloried by Members of both Houses. Their good names would be besmirched without having a right of reply.

I cast my mind back to events in the United Kingdom about 18 months ago when a report on Iraq that was issued in the House of Commons led to the tragic death of a scientist, Dr. David Kelly. While there are reasons for publishing the Leas Cross report, patience is required as we must act correctly to ensure no health worker has his or her good name taken.

When the House debates nursing homes we should also mention the many well run nursing homes, particularly those operated by the State. We should not lose the run of ourselves. If we begin to criticise and heavily penalise the nursing homes that do not comply, we run the risk of scaring vulnerable older people who will read only the bad news and not recognise the good work. This has been done while we politicians try to score political points. There must be a balance.