Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Departmental Programmes.

James Breen

Question:

750 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the money allocated to the Stella Maris nursing home under the CLÁR programme has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11707/03]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Éamon Ó Cuív)

Under the CLÁR programme, one of the measures supported is funding of major capital strategic health developments in CLÁR areas. This funding is on a maximum CLÁR €1 basis for every €2 minimum contribution from the Department of Health and Children and the health boards. The projects are recommended by the Department of Health and Children.

One of the projects recommended for funding is provision for community and older people at the Stella Maris Nursing Home in County Clare. The proposed CLÁR element towards the cost of the development is €479,000. The Stella Maris nursing Home closed in December 2000 and was put up for sale. The Stella Maris nursing home committee, which was formed following the closure of the home, decided to explore the possibility of developing the facility as a nursing home. Following detailed discussions with the local committee and investigations of the site, the Mid-Western Health Board decided that it would be more appropriate to initially develop day care services for older people at the Stella Maris facility. Agreement was reached with all the parties involved that day care services on the site of the former Stella Maris nursing home would be provided.

The board has entered into an agreement with Clarecare Social Services to purchase the Stella Maris nursing home and initially provide day services for older people from the locality. I have been advised that the legal documentation in relation to the purchase of the property is nearing completion. No capital expenditure has been incurred to date.