Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

-----of mismanagement of our country.

I echo what Senator Fitzgerald said about the "Prime Time Investigates" programme about the elderly but it is strange we are all so shocked. This underegulation of care of the most vulnerable in our society is ongoing. In 2008 HIQA drew up a programme of standards that were to be adhered to in regard to people with disabilities, both adults and children. Sadly, this Government agreed that people treating those with disabilities could adopt such regulations if they so chose. It was a voluntary buy-in, which is an outrage. After the Ryan report, after children suffered to the extent they have, how can we be shocked here today at the way our elderly are being treated? There is nothing binding in regard to people who are incapacitated or disabled and do not have the wherewithal to mind and look after themselves. There is no regulation of any kind. Shame on this Government.