John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I simply want to support this Bill and commend Senator Colm Burke for sticking with it along the way, following it and ensuring that it has been brought before the House. Its contains commonsense provisions. There is a commonsense approach. Its provisions are there to protect, not only the person who is being cared for but the excellent carers who are out there as well. As for its effect, this will protect all sides and eliminate the need for any of those who should not be involved in caring. That is an important point.

I would not be an expert in this area. I would have assumed, maybe naively, that these regulations were already there for the carers in the home. I am referring, for instance, to section 6 that provides that an assessment of needs of care of the recipient must be carried out in advance, and that the dignity, independence and needs of the person who is cared for have to be taken care of. As Senator Colm Burke pointed out, the number of elderly people is increasing. People are living longer. It is more economic to care for them in the home.

I do not usually listen to "Liveline" because it is continually a moan, but I heard it last week. An elderly lady who rang in to Joe Duffy was not criticising the nursing home that she was in but wanted to get home. There may have been an issue with the family or whatever, but a Bill like this can only further eliminate any of the loopholes, abuses or whatever in the system.

It is vital that the provisions of this Bill are brought forward by the Department at the earliest opportunity. It can only be a good result for everybody.