Mary Henry (Independent)

I concur with Senator Mansergh that private nursing homes are not the panacea for problems within the health service, but the Minister for Health and Children and her officials seem to think otherwise as these homes are repeatedly being used, often unsuitably, to solve the situation in the acute hospitals. It would be far preferable if step-down facilities were built throughout the country.

Will the Leader try to arrange a debate before Christmas on the report of the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention? I have asked about this previously and I am sure the Leader has tried to obtain the report. A new, improved Prisons Bill will come forward next week but it would be a good idea if we debated the situation as is and, as the inspector and the visiting committees have seen it, before we consider the Bill.