I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 to 249, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that my Department has neither carried out, nor has requested any other organisation to carry out, a review of any of the specific, named long term care facilities referred to in the Deputy's questions. At a national level, the Deputy will be aware that significant changes took place within the nursing home sector in 2009 resulting in a single system of registration and inspection for all providers, public, private and voluntary, and a single system of financial support. The net effect of these changes is an assurance to every person in need of care that the same quality standards and the same level of financial State support will apply regardless of which nursing home they choose. In light of these important changes and in light of service pressures arising from demographic trends, my Department is currently working closely with the HSE to examine long-term capacity, quality, staffing and funding requirements at a national level.