Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to the House and commend her on the exceptional job she is doing in this important area concerning our older people.

I agree with Senator O'Toole on how enforcing standards in nursing homes could be simplified. We do not want to complicate this area. Senator O'Toole also raised the availability of recreational facilities in nursing homes. I would like more emphasis placed on this area.

Leopardstown Park Hospital, one of the older homes which I often visit, is run to a very high standard with exceptional facilities. For example, the hospital has purpose-built little allotments in which residents can work and garden. Every year it has an exceptionally fine art exhibition and a Christmas and crafts fair, all produced by its residents. These types of recreational activities must be encouraged to be part of all nursing homes.

The evaluation of care packages must be considered in the development of future policy in this area. This is important because, as Senator O'Toole stated, we are trying to provide the best possible service. With approximately €400 million invested in community supports for older people, it is to be hoped this will reduce the number of older people having to enter nursing homes prematurely. Allowing older people to remain in their own homes is much more beneficial to them. Home care help is the cheapest package for keeping people out of nursing homes. Currently, there are 4,300 home care packages and it is fair to say the Government has committed significant investment to older persons' services. I look forward to this being improved further.

The Minister of State has done great work on the forthcoming legislation on nursing home standards. It will be introduced presently and will naturally be tweaked when going through the House. However, her presentation on it last night to the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party was exceptional. It is obvious the Minister of State has spent much time on it.

We must promote the best care practices in nursing homes as well as residents' rights, protections, health and quality of life. Nursing home staffing standards are also important. It is important that those who deliver the service are sympathetic and have the welfare of the older person in mind. We must ensure that when we are delivering services to older people, who have given us major benefit in their lifetimes, they are delivered with care and kindness and in a personal fashion. That is the most important thing we have to do.