David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. Our job in opposition is to hold the Government to account and make sure failings are articulated. Part of my contribution will involve that aspect, but before I go on, it is important to say there is no excuse whatsoever for what we saw on television last night. The behaviour of some of the staff at the care facility was absolutely unacceptable and there can be no justification or excuse given by anybody for what happened. The question we have to ask ourselves is why must the voiceless in care depend on whistleblowers or unannounced HIQA inspections or RTE's "Prime Time" programme to expose what we have known for some time - that some of those who work in care homes and other facilities engage in wholly unacceptable behaviour? Not so long ago we had a very similar programme about a creche, a point which needs to be taken on board.

I understand the frustration expressed by Senator Mary Moran. A half hour debate is not enough, but whether we debate the issue for half an hour, an hour or two or five hours is not the issue. The issue - Senator Mary Moran touched on this - is what are we going to do. What actions are going to be taken from all of these debates? What new methods, training programmes and management oversight arrangements are going to be put in place to deal with these issues? One thing is absolutely certain: the job for those involved in caring for people with intellectual disabilities, older people or children is extremely demanding and difficult. I could not do it for love or money; I just would not be able to do it. It is very difficult and people need to be trained to do it. A certain type of person is needed, somebody who has empathy and compassion and can show love.

A certain type of person is required to do that job, somebody who has empathy, compassion and love. That is the reality. However, they also require training. This is very simple in some respects. We can over-complicate it but ultimately we need the right people with the right temperament in the right jobs. There must be proper training, management structures and proper oversight mechanisms.

I read the Minister's speech and I apologise for my absence for part of it. What steps will the Government and the HSE take on this? Steps must be taken to ensure that the highest standards are understood, in the first instance, and implemented by those we trust to look after these defenceless people. That is at the heart of it. These people are incapable of voicing or giving expression to the treatment they are subjected to, and the uncertainty causes great fear for families, parents and siblings. My grandfather was in a nursing home for years and received very good treatment. However, I am sure all public representatives have been approached by people from time to time to complain about how their older loved ones were not properly cared for. These are real problems and they are happening not just in this care setting but everywhere. However, that is not to taint everybody, because the vast majority of people who provide the care are providing the best possible care. They are wonderful people who do a wonderful job. Nevertheless, those who are not must be rooted out, and that can only happen if the proper resources, management structures, oversight and follow-through are in place. We can have inspections but the follow-through is important as well.

I welcome the opportunity to have this brief debate and I look forward to the Government taking action on this issue, which is what we seek.