Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
14. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will discuss with the Health Service Executive the need for capital funding to secure the future of a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/16]
View answerThe beds provided by public nursing homes are an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure, and without them many older people would not have access to the care that they need. These beds will continue to be very much needed over the coming years as the number of older people increases in line with demographic trends. It is therefore essential that they are put on a sustainable footing and that the fabric of the buildings from which they operate is modernised and improved.
€385 million in capital funding has been secured for a programme for the replacement and refurbishment of public nursing homes across the country over the next five years. This will consolidate our existing public stock and is expected to provide over 200 additional beds.
Significant work was undertaken by the Health Service Executive in determining the most appropriate scheduling of projects over the 5 year period from 2016 to 2021, within the phased provision of funding, to achieve full compliance and registration with HIQA.
The plan includes minor refurbishment works at Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit which it is proposed to be completed by 2021.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that the Department will monitor progress on the capital plan on an on-going basis.
