The Minister referred already to the interview with the Ombudsman, Mr. Peter Tyndall, on "Morning Ireland" this morning. I understand he made it clear in his press release yesterday that his office cannot examine the actions in private nursing homes and essentially laid the blame at the Minister's door, saying he was waiting for the Minister to pass some statutory instrument. Why is the Minister holding up the Ombudsman from investigating private nursing homes in the same way as he can investigate HSE nursing homes? That is the impression I get. When will the Minister get around to doing what is necessary in this regard?

I understand that a protocol is being negotiated between officials of my Department and the Office of the Ombudsman and that the draft has been sent by my Department. We are awaiting a reply from the Office of the Ombudsman.