Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Kelly for raising this issue. I do want to see a step change in how we care for older people. The Commission on Care for Older People the Government has set up is a really important step in that. I thank the Deputy for raising this specific issue regarding Nenagh and the point he makes about the unintended consequences if older people are not able to access a community facility - where else do they end up? - and the impact this can have on the health service. There is a logic in the point the Deputy made. I certainly hope that between now and 11 May there can be proper and decent engagement on this so the people of Nenagh feel heard and that their concerns can be addressed. I will certainly ask the Minister for Health and the HSE to engage directly with the Deputy and other north Tipperary representatives.

See this speech in context