Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in complimenting Members of this House who participated so actively and played such a major role in the Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis. The publication of its report today is to be welcomed. As Senator Barrett has said, the report has highlighted widespread institutional failures, both internally and externally. Hopefully, the many recommendations of the report will be implemented, resulting in a much more robust banking sector that will serve the State well. I compliment everyone involved in bringing the report to fruition, albeit with its shortcomings as a result of time constraints.

I welcome yesterday's announcement of the Government's commitment to investment in public nursing homes. A total of 90 facilities will be upgraded and refurbished in the next five years. It is probably the most comprehensive programme of investment in public nursing homes in the history of the State. The plan provides for the replacement of 33 existing facilities and the refurbishment or extension of 57 others. The programme of investment will deliver 215 additional beds in centres being built or refurbished. The 90 facilities between them will have 4,723 beds.

Of some that were in the news in recent times, I particularly welcome that the future of the Sacred Heart Hospital in Roscommon has been secured as a result of the investment commitment. I very much welcome the investment in the community nursing unit in Tuam, following lobbying by the people in east County Galway. It is evidence that the Government intends to bring all the facilities up to HIQA standards by 2021 during the lifetime of the current capital investment programme. We should support the programme and welcome it as a very positive development.