Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Finian McGrath is aware the Health Service Executive, HSE, national service plan, published yesterday and authorised by the Minister for Health, has a budget of €13.317 billion for 2012. As outlined in the plan, a minimum number of 555 nursing home residential beds may close in 2012 — 111 in HSE Dublin mid-Leinster, 105 in HSE north east, 180 in HSE south and 159 in HSE west. These figures are indicative. The Minister for Health is engaged with communities about the viability of several existing homes.

It should also be noted the service plan includes an additional €55 million for the nursing home support scheme in 2012, equivalent to what it was in 2011.

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