Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I am sure the Leader and other Senators share my sense of outrage at the details of abuse in a residential care unit revealed on "Prime Time" last Thursday and my frustration at the absence of a system of inspections for such institutions. It is outrageous in this day and age. The institutions and the high walls may have gone but the residential care homes that are dotted throughout the community are not subject to inspections and family members can only gain access to their loved ones by appointment even though they may have serious concerns. I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, on the provision of €6 million for putting in place a system of inspection but I ask the Leader to establish when these inspections will take place and what processes will be followed. The inspections need to take place on a random basis whereby inspectors knock on the doors rather than get buried in their offices studying paperwork. They need to inspect, walk into these institutions and talk to management because last week's revelations of abuse in institutions should not be tolerated under any circumstances by a civilised society. I am delighted that the resources are being put in place but immediate action is needed.