Nursing home charges - Blame game overshadows real issues

IT is regrettable that the report by the Oireachtas Committee on Health on illegal charges imposed on residents in nursing homes was clouded in controversy even before it was published yesterday.

When the issue erupted last year, and it became clear that the taxpayers would be left with a bill of at least €1 billion, it was obvious the blame game would commence.

The scandalous situation whereby the State illegally charged people in nursing homes had gone on for decades and spanned more than one government.