Vol. 421 No. 9
96 Mr. Cullimore asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that there is no provision by the South Eastern Health Board for old folk nursing and care facilities in the Wexford area he will acquire the property at St. John of God's Novitiate Convent, Spawell Road, County Wexford which is now up for sale and is in excellent condition, especially in view of the nominal price being quoted for this property.
The development of health services for the elderly in Wexford is the responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board. I have been in touch with the health board about their views on this property. I have been informed that the board do not consider the design of the premises suitable for the care of dependent elderly people requiring nursing care.
As the Deputy will be aware, the South-Eastern Health Board plans to build a 34 bed nursing unit for the elderly in Wexford town. The immediate priority for the elderly within County Wexford as a whole is the replacement of existing accommodation at St. John's Hospital, Enniscorthy, with two new 34 bed units.
