Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Care of the Elderly.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

325 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will address the concerns of the Meath Community Unit as outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6222/03]

Mary Upton

Question:

332 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the refurbishment of the nurses' home at the Meath Community Unit, Dublin 8, will be urgently arranged. [6315/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 332 together.

The site of the former Meath Hospital was acquired in 1999 for the development of a range of health services for the catchment population of South Inner City Dublin. The ERHA has proposed the development of a range of services for older persons on the site which includes a 50 bed community unit, a 25 bed secondary rehabilitation unit, a new day care centre, sheltered housing and ten single self-contained apartments.

A draft development control plan and planning briefs for proposed services have been undertaken and are currently being examined by officials in my Department in conjunction with the ERHA. This includes proposals to refurbish the nursing home which are now well advanced. Funding for the development of services for older people on the site is at present being considered by the ERHA and my Department in the context of progressing capital projects for the authority in the future in line with funding resources available under the national development plan.

I fully appreciate, from recent correspondence, the concerns of the residents committee of the Meath community unit to progress various proposals in relation to the development of the site. My Department will shortly respond in detail to the various issues raised by the Meath community unit and will also continue to liaise closely with the ERHA with a view to progressing matters as quickly as possible.