Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 199: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason 83 private nursing homes were inspected only once in 2004; if this is a satisfactory inspection regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19214/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, the Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

However, as the Deputy is aware the Nursing Homes Regulations 1993 provide for two inspections of each private nursing home per year. In this regard the Tánaiste has written to the Health Service Executive stressing that it is of the utmost importance that this target is achieved countrywide by the HSE to ensure the highest standards in private nursing homes.