asked the Minister for Health the total number of residential care beds available for the elderly in Ireland.
236.
Written Answers. - Residential Care for Elderly.
221.
asked the Minister for Health the total number of basic residential care beds for the elderly in Ireland.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 236 together.
There are approximately 15,000 residential care beds, excluding beds in psychiatric institutions available for incapacitated persons, the vast majority of which are for persons incapacitated by old age.
It is presumed that by basic residential care the Deputy has in mind welfare home accommodation where a minimum of supervision is required. The number of beds available in such accommodation is 1,100 and these beds are included in the total of 15,000 referred to above.