As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of health services in Roscommon is a matter for the Western Health Board in the first instance. The board has advised my Department that it has invested significantly over the last two years in the upgrading of the Plunkett Home in Boyle and staffing levels have also been increased. The upgrading has consisted of the renovating of bedrooms and bathrooms, in addition, a palliative care suite has been developed at the hospital. The total cost of capital development at the unit was €428,000.
The board has further advised my Department that it has not made any decision in relation to a reduction in bed numbers at the home, that agreement has been reached with the unions in regard to the appointment of staff to facilitate the opening of the palliative care unit, and that it is currently in the process of recruiting staff for the new unit.