Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - Care of the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

119 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the SEHB intends to establish a home for the elderly in Kilkenny city based on the model operated in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, by the board; if so, the stage the plans are at; if funding is available; if in the interim, St. Canice's Hospital, Kilkenny city, can be used to house such a project; if plans are being prepared in this regard; if so, the stage of the plans are at; if funding is available; and if he will assist the board to complete the project as soon as possible. [14273/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of health services in Kilkenny is a matter for the SEHB. It is understood from the board that it is in the process of completing a planning brief for the first phase of the community hospital at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. The board has advised that in the first phase it intends to include a day hospital for the elderly, a 29 bed rehabilitation-young disabled adult ward, a ten bed elderly assessment unit and a rehabilitation therapy unit. The question of the operational policy of the facility will require to be considered as part of the first phase.

With regard to St. Canice's, the board has submitted a proposal to my Department on which considerable further detail is required. It is a matter for the board to consider these projects in the context of the €18.797 million indicative funding notified under the national development plan and also the additional revenue allocation provided to further develop services in the region during 2002 totalling €8.605 million.