248 Mr. Dennehy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself that sufficient safeguards are in place to ensure adequate vetting of staff in private nursing homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24869/06]

The vetting of staff for private nursing homes is currently a matter for the owner of the home concerned.

A Working Group has been established, chaired by the Department, to develop standards for long-term residential care settings, both public and private. It is intended to circulate these draft standards to interested parties for consultation in the near future.