Vol. 545 No. 4
250 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for closure of bed accommodation at the Sacred Heart Home, Castlebar, County Mayo; the extent of renovations to be carried out; the costs involved; when the works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30474/01]
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of health services in the Castlebar area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board in relation to bed numbers in the Sacred Heart Home and has been informed as follows: the bed capacity in St. Patrick's unit has been reduced from 48 to 24 due to serious structural problems. From the total of 200 beds being provided in the home's other units, approximately 13 beds have been withdrawn from service, on a temporary basis, due to serious difficulties being experienced in the recruitment of nursing staff.
