Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
461. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide clarity on the timeframe before a former nursing home that was registered with HIQA on or since 1 September 2022 may become eligible for consideration to be used as an accommodation facility for refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62247/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe policy position of my Department is that nursing homes that were active since 1 September 2022 will not be considered for conversion to temporary accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, regardless of the amount of time that has passed since closure. As we head into the winter season, it is essential that capacity in the nursing home sector is preserved in order to ensure that there no impacts that will increase delayed discharges from the hospital system.
More broadly, the nursing home sector has seen a high number of closures over recent months. i am advised that, due to the severity of the impact on the residents and staff, the Department of Health has put a number of measures in place to reduce incentives for providers to close, including supports with cost increases due to inflation.
