Katherine Zappone (Independent)

I echo the call by Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell for an urgent debate on the rights of older people on foot of the public consultation report. The Senator outlined many of the recommendations contained therein. The Leader promised a debate on this matter. Given the work of the consultation committee, we are a little ahead of the media. Many colleagues will have seen the "Prime Time" report last evening on the fair deal scheme. It highlighted the need for a debate on the rights of older people. It demonstrated that law-makers must find a rights-based solution to provide appropriate services for older people. Senator O'Donnell identified a number of the recommendations we made at a high level in terms of the United Nations and at a very practical level in terms of legislation.

There is a need for mental capacity legislation, which has become even more urgent on foot of the Oireachtas committee's report. It has been recommended that Ireland encourage the drafting of a UN treaty on the rights of older people. This is the first time a European parliament has recommended this. My colleagues in Galway sent their report to the European Commission, which said it was excellent. It is, therefore, important that we have this debate as urgently as possible. It has been recommended that those responsible for the HSE's performance information system should carry out an audit of all community care services for older people. This would be particularly helpful given the way the media is covering the issue. I second Senator O'Donnell's request for a debate as soon as possible.