Vol. 504 No. 5
128 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the concerns expressed about the sale of the Augustinian nursing home in Rathoath, County Meath; the arrangements, if any, made for the transfer of elderly patients; the possibility of the North-Eastern Health Board acquiring the property or a joint partnership with the Augustinian order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12314/99]
I understand from the North-Eastern Health Board that it is aware that the Augustinian Order is considering the future of the nursing home in Rathoath. The health board has made contact with the order's superior general in England, and has arranged to meet her and other members of the order tomorrow.
The superior general has assured the North-Eastern Health Board that full consultation will take place with the health board so that the continuity of care for patients and the future of the service can be addressed. The health board has assured me that no closure date has been decided as yet and that the consultation mentioned above will include an examination of all possible options before any decision is made.
