Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

Senator Feeney very capably made the point I wished to make, that it is most important to be balanced in the debate on nursing homes. I am aware of a number of institutions in County Clare which provide excellent service and care for the elderly. Places such as St. Joseph's Hospital in Ennis, Regina House, Cahercalla, Carrigoran and many community hospitals provide a level of standards and services that is second to none. That is fully endorsed by families and patients. We should not lose sight of that in our discussion.

Relatives should be reminded that they have some responsibilities as well. Our Lady's Hospital in Ennis, which is now closed, was the biggest psychiatric institution in Ireland. Many of the patients from that institution are now living in community institutions that have been established throughout the county. There is a necessity for relatives to pay some attention to the patients in these institutions and to work with the institutions to ensure the level of care is improved. Perhaps the Leader will raise the situation of these institutions with the Minister for Health and Children. Many of them, especially ones such as Kilrush Community Hospital, are run by charitable organisations. They are very short of funding. It is necessary to provide them with funding in order that extensions and improvements can be made. They are not run by health boards but are mainly dependent on community effort and support to keep them operating, for example, Ennistymon Community Hospital.

The Minister for Health and Children and, perhaps, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs should pay attention to these institutions as many of them are seeking to provide improvements, extensions and additional beds.