Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The Prospectus report concluded in 2008 that there were sufficient places in Waterford and that additional places would not be needed before 2013. Following on the closure of St. Brigid's, I understand arrangements were made for 30 nursing home beds to be made available to replace the 19 beds closed as a result of the health and fire safety concerns at St. Brigid's. Therefore, the bed shortages were more than adequately addressed by the HSE at the time. I accept Senator Cullinane's bona fides in making the case for the construction of a new ward. All such demands will be reviewed in the context of an overall national review on the provision of long-term care places. That is the only commitment that can be given at this time.