Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

The intent and purpose of subsection (50) is to ensure a multidisciplinary team is available to carry out all the assessments on a flexible basis. Under subsection (6), the assessment extends to social as well as medical and health issues, whereas subsection (7) deals only with a physical examination. The multidisciplinary teams established by the Health Service Executive in pilot schemes around the country include geriatricians, social workers and members of other disciplines specialised in older person care.

The term "suitable" used in the Bill encompasses the fact that a person should have appropriate experience in the care of older people. The common summary assessment record is the standard reporting format for the care needs assessment. It will ensure the person's care needs across all parameters of the assessment are examined and recorded. The cost components of public care will be laid before the Oireachtas.

Some of the concerns raised by Senator Mullen will be addressed by the new standards and regulations for care and nursing homes. The Minister has approved new standards and will underpin these by regulation in the near future. Among other things, these regulations will provide individual care plans for residents of nursing homes and quality of care in nursing homes, including social and care needs. They will be inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA.

On mental health, which was raised by Senator McFadden, the care assessment will include cognitive ability, orientation and any other matter that affects the person's ability to care for himself or herself. The phrase "long-term residential care" is defined as maintenance, health or personal care services.

The term "multidisciplinary" is not used in the Bill and is not defined in legislation. The use of the singular and plural form, as in "person" or "persons", is consistent with the Disability Act 2005. However, I will consider the amendment on this matter, subject to legal advice.