asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made in relation to proposed renovations to Saint Joseph's Home, Stranorlar, County Donegal; if he is satisfied that the present conditions in the home are in conformity with Department of Health regulations; and if he is satisfied that patients will not have to tolerate conditions this winter similar to those of last winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions in Stranorlar (Donegal) Home.
5.
As I have already explained in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on 14th February last, the general scheme for the reconstruction of St. Joseph's Home, Stranorlar, approved by my Department, is being planned to be carried out in two stages; firstly, the building of a new single storey extension to contain the new chapel and accommodation for 98 chronic sick patients together with the necessary ancillary services and, secondly, the reconstruction of the main buildings. Planning of the first stage is now well advanced. Working drawings for the new extension have been approved subject to certain modifications and final plans for the mechanical and electrical services are in course of preparation. Bills of Quantities will now have to be prepared. Everything possible is being done to expedite the completion of the plans and other relevant documents so that the health authority will be in a position to invite tenders for stage I of the scheme during the next few months.
I am aware, as I already stated in my reply to the Deputy's previous question, that conditions and facilities for patients in this Home are far from satisfactory by modern standards and must be improved substantially. The need to provide improved heating in the Home in time for next winter has received particular attention. Additional heaters have been installed and these should help to improve the situation materially. Arrangements have also been made by my Department for an early conference with officers of the health authority and their technical consultants to determine what additional temporary measures could appropriately be taken to provide further improved heating, pending the installation of a permanent central heating system as envisaged in the comprehensive reconstruction scheme.