Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nursing Home Registrations.

Michael Finucane

Ceist:

182 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing homes that have applied to the Mid Western Health Board to date for County Limerick; the number that have been approved for registration; the number refused registration; the length of time taken to process an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

To date 14 nursing homes in County Limerick have applied to the Mid-Western Health Board for registration under the Health (Nursing Homes) Act, 1990. Of the 14 homes, one has been registered with conditions and three will be registered with conditions in the near future. The applications of the remaining ten homes are being processed. No nursing home has been refused registration.

The Board considers that on average, an application for registration takes ten to 12 weeks to process, because of the need for a detailed inspection of each home, the checking of staff records and confirmation of fire safety. I am satisfied that the Mid-Western Health Board is carrying out the registration process as quickly and efficiently as possible.