Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2011
417 Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will give an assurance that there will be no reduction in the level of services at St. Mary’s nursing unit for the elderly, Castleblayney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38709/11]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
From a national perspective I would like to advise the Deputy that the Department is currently reviewing the provision of public residential care in the light of the need to meet national standards and regulations, local demographic pressures and public and private provision. The review will serve as a platform for discussion and will inform the development of an overall strategy on how the HSE should continue to provide this service in future in view of current budgetary and other pressures. The review must also be seen in the light of the wider health reform programme to which the Government is committed, and the position of social care services in a future health service.
