asked the Minister for Health how many nursing homes, in (a) Dublin City and (b) the remainder of the State have applied for approval for the provision of services under section 25 of the Health Act, 1953; whether his Department have made an estimate of the total number of nursing homes in (a) Dublin City and (b) the remainder of the State which provide general nursing services for payment; and, if so, if he will state the number thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nursing Homes: Health Act Services.
6.
Mr. Ryan
The number of nursing homes, including private hospitals but not maternity homes, which have applied for approval under section 25 of the Health Act, 1953, is 24 in Dublin City and 46 in the remainder of the State.
My Department has not reliable information as to the total number of nursing homes providing general nursing services for payment in Dublin City and in the remainder of the State.
Is the Minister aware that there is growing public concern at the number of badly run nursing homes, particularly those catering for old people in Dublin City, and will he arrange to bring these under some form of supervision or control?
I am in as close touch with the public mind as the Deputy and I do not think there is that amount of growing concern which would indicate this is a problem which requires urgent attention.
It is quite a serious problem.