Harney vows to 'root out' abuse of elderly in nursing homes

01/06/2005 - 11:20:42

The Tánaiste and Health Minister, Mary Harney, has vowed to end the abuse of elderly patients in Irish nursing homes.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Ms Harney said the Government was due to bring forward legislation before the end of the year to protect elderly people from institutional neglect.

She was responding to questions about a television documentary exposing the mistreatment of residents at the Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, Co Dublin.

"These are exceptional situations and they will be rooted out," Ms Harney said.

"There will be no place for people who do not run nursing homes for elderly people to the highest possible standard.

"We will do everything that is within out capability, both from a resource point of view and from a legislative point of view, to make sure that we have appropriate mechanisms in place."

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