Vol. 464 No. 7
62 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concern that exists regarding the lack of appropriate long-stay accommodation in the community for elderly people who can no longer reside alone without care and attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8817/96]
, Limerick East): With the elderly population set to rise, there is a need to provide some additional health board long-stay places and to improve existing accommodation. As the Deputy may be aware, I announced last summer my commitment ot a capital programme over the next few years which will improve and expand long-stay health board facilities for the elderly in each of the eight boards. I would see this as one of a number of priorities which must be addressed within the capital programme on a sustained basis, until the identified needs for additional and improved accommodation have been met.
