Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

The second HIQA report on Loughloe House was published at noon today. Of the 37 actions required on foot of the initial inspection, 30 have been taken. I ask the Leader and my colleagues across the floor whether they want to close our public facilities for the elderly. That is what the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, intends to do in regard to Ofalia House in Tullamore, Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon, St. Brigid's ward in Waterford hospital and the facility in Carlow. The HIQA report on Loughloe House found that the standard of hygiene had improved significantly, the centre was more comfortable and patients were really happy and receiving care in an unrushed manner.

When we debated the fair deal scheme in the House, were we aware that all public facilities for the elderly were going to be closed? Yesterday a newspaper reported on the scandalous closure or downgrading of a Dublin care centre for Alzheimer's patients. I do not accept that, as a caring community, we want to close public facilities for the elderly. Of course, people should be allowed to choose between public and private care services and, under the fair deal scheme, to opt for their preferred centre, but I fervently believe public facilities will always be needed for the elderly. I will not give up on this issue because public facilities for the elderly offer a better standard of care than some private facilities. In the light of publication of the aforementioned report, I ask that the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with responsibility for the elderly be invited to the House to discuss the issue.