asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange with the Kerry County Council for the erection of an old people's home in Cahirciveen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Old People's Homes.
7.
I understand that Kerry County Council have been considering the possibility of assisting in the establishment in a number of the larger centres of population in the county of homes for the aged which might be administered by voluntary agencies. I am informed that one such project is already in train and that the making of arrangements in relation to two other areas is under consideration.
The county council will no doubt give consideration to other areas where there would be a good case for providing accommodation for aged persons who do not need hospital care but who at the same time cannot continue to live in the community even with the aid of supportive services. It may be that in some centres it might be appropriate for the council to build accommodation of a residential type in association with an existing district hospital, rather than to establish independent homes.
It is primarily a matter for the council to arrive at conclusions as to what provision should be made over the county as a whole but they will require to take into account the necessity for pressing on with the development of community care services as the most desirable form of development in relation to the aged who do not need institutional care for medical or social reasons. Apart from this reservation I will be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to such proposals as the council may wish to put before me in relation to any particular area.