Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I join colleagues in congratulating former Senator Alan Kelly and wishing him well in his new position in Europe.

I want to follow up on a point raised by my colleague, Senator Callely, in light of World Elder Abuse Day yesterday. We had a especially useful and informative debate on elder abuse in this Chamber earlier this year. In particular, the information campaign run by the Health Service Executive whereby it took the unprecedented step of putting inserts in all Sunday newspapers with the helpline number for anyone who has concerns regarding elder abuse was very welcome. I would press Senator Callely's call to the Leader further by asking that if the Minister comes to the House it would be of particular benefit for the Minister to discuss with Members progression in terms of the inspectorate, not only for public and private nursing homes for older people but also its commencement in respect of residential services——