Feargal Quinn (Independent)

There is little I can add to what has been said. The words that attract me in the Minister's contribution are the references to an "independent" statutory body and the "provisions to underpin a more robust" inspection system. There is no doubt we need a robust inspection system and, therefore, what the Minister is doing is correct and she is to be congratulated for it.

There is an assumption that all old people want to stay at home. I can think of two cases, one of which is that of an older person whose clear wish to stay at home is paramount. In the other case, the person wishes to be looked after — I can think of very successful nursing homes which deal with such cases. Let us not simply assume because of the problems that have been created that all nursing homes are at risk of providing poor service. Many nursing homes provide a good, worthwhile service that is much appreciated.

This issue relates to how well we, as a democracy, look after the most vulnerable in our community. The most vulnerable are very often children and those who are not able but they are also those who are aged and unable to look after themselves. In the old story, Quo Vadis, which was later made into a film, the character of the ancient Roman criticised the Christian for his beliefs by saying he did not think much of the way Christianity works. He said that, in his ideal, the God who runs the world would have people come to a certain stage of life and then be lifted up to heaven, with all their friends around them to congratulate them on the job they had done in their lives, instead of getting old and eventually being regarded as somebody who is not able to participate in the way he or she was as a younger person.

The way we care for our aged is very important. In some cases it is much better to be cared for at home whereas in others it is much better to be cared for in a nursing home. If people are to be cared for in a home, we as a democracy must ensure that happens. As Senator Glynn noted, the danger is that when people go into a nursing home, they are forgotten, left alone and not even thought of afterwards by some.

The onus is on the State to deal with this issue. The Minister has taken that onus on herself. She has introduced this inspection system, which I believe is the right way to go. We must make sure we review it rather than simply having inquiries, commissions and investigations. Let us make sure we take action this time. The Minister has taken the right steps, for which I congratulate her.