Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We should not frighten people who are in nursing homes at present. The most important inspectorate of all consists of the family members who visit their loved ones in private or public nursing homes, as well as the doctors and other professionals who tend to the residents of such homes. An inspectorate will not solve everything, regardless of whether it is established under new legislation. The issues which were raised in the Leas Cross report are extremely grave and serious. It is right that these matters were investigated by Professor O'Neill and the HSE. It is right that the House should have a debate on the Leas Cross report and on nursing homes generally. All of us who served on health boards must ask how we administer the responsibilities delegated to us under the Health Act 1970. As far as I am concerned, I have nothing to be afraid of in any investigation of the Western Health Board.