FG slams Govt failure to improve nursing home standards

Fine Gael TD Liam Twomey has slammed the Government's failure to improve standards in nursing homes over recent years.

Dr Twomey's criticism follows Monday night's television documentary highlighted the mistreatment of residents at the Leas Cross nursing home in Swords, Co Dublin.

The Health Service Executive has responded by taking over control of the home, but Fine Gael's health spokesman said this was too little, too late.

He said the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition had promised to deal with the issue of nursing home standards in both the health strategy and the programme for government, but had failed to do so.

Dr Twomey was speaking as the Dáil prepares to resume a debate on a private members' motion from Fine Gael calling for a regulatory body for nursing homes.