I have expressed my gratitude to Professor O'Neill for his work on the Leas Cross Report and I welcome its publication. The Health Service Executive has confirmed that it fully accepts the recommendations made by Professor O'Neill and has already addressed many of these that apply to the HSE.
My Department and the HSE will work together to implement the recommendations contained therein. I believe this is the appropriate, continuing response to the Report. It is the best course of action to assure patients of higher quality standards and services. I understand that Professor O'Neill has agreed to participate in a group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations. I believe that this is the appropriate forum to consider the issues raised by the Deputy.
Services for older people are a priority for the Government. We are implementing significant changes to give the required assurance to older people about care standards. A thorough and robust system of inspections is vital. The Health Bill 2006, which is before Government and will be published imminently, will provide for the first time for an independent, statutory body to set standards and inspect all nursing home places, both public and private. This will also strengthen the registration and de-registration process. New standards for all long-term residential care facilities for older people have already been prepared.
In 2006, the total budget for services for older people is €1.2 billion, including an increase of €150 million this year alone. There will continue to be substantial funding increases for these services in 2007. We have already carried out considerable work to prepare policy to overhaul the financial support system for people in long term care.
