Vol. 547 No. 1
600 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the convalescence and long-term care home for the elderly in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; if officials have met with the parish priest to negotiate the purchase of a site; if the site has been purchased; if contracts have been signed; and if he will supply a copy of the needs assessment of the elderly in the area carried out recently. [2102/02]
The provision of health services in Ballinrobe area is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has made inquiries of the board regarding this matter and the board has advised that it is in the process of forwarding a detailed reply to the Deputy regarding the Ballinrobe situation, in response to his letter dated 10 January 2002. A copy of the Ballinrobe needs assessment will be included. My Department accepts the board's contention that the provision of a community nursing unit in Ballinrobe is warranted but ultimately, such provision will depend on the availability of capital funding.
601 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Western Health Board will make payments to people who spent time in State nursing homes for the pocket-money element of the money held from them incorrectly; the number of people waiting on this payment; and the cost involved. [2103/02]
602 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the payment of the pocket money element of the money taken incorrectly from people who spent time in State nursing homes has been made to the Western Health Board; if not, the reason for the delay; and when the payments will be made. [2104/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.
