Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Like other Senators, I wish to speak about the terrible conditions revealed on the "Prime Time Investigates" programme and add my voice to those who have called for a debate on the issue. We will hardly be able to arrange such a debate this week because the issues arising are too serious to be discussed in a debate lasting one hour or 90 minutes. There is nothing like a report such as the one we viewed last night to exercise our minds and thoughts, particularly when vulnerable members of society are subject to such viciousness and cruelty. I watched a poor old lady crying as she pleaded with her carers not to force-feed her. They were people who had not received any training and who were probably not known to her. I had to switch channels and come back to the programme later because I was reminded of the terrible advertisement to encourage people not to drink and drive in which a young couple hug each other before being hit by a car. I can never watch that add as it is so horrendous, which is how I found "Prime Time Investigates" last night.

While regulation is needed, we also need to focus on training and standards, and perhaps this is where the debate should be focused. There are many good companies which are working very hard. There are rogue companies, as there will be in any walk of life, but the good companies provide excellent service and are not afraid of strict regulation. These are the ones we should look after and promote because they provide high standards.

While I hate to disagree with Senator Joe O'Reilly, I do not know that it is all the responsibility of the HSE or that it should take all the blame. It is right to give business and employment outside the HSE, as we know. The HSE has been very strict in this regard. Only last week, I saw that two nursing homes, one in my home county of Offaly, had been closed because of poor standards. This area is being regulated.

We need to have that debate. I ask the Leader to keep on top of the agenda when we come back in January.