Mr. Robert Watt:

As the Deputy is aware, there have been a number of closures. Overall, there has been a net increase in the number of nursing home places in recent years of about 1,100 or 1,200. There are a number of reasons for the closures. It is not just about money, but money is an issue in the viability of them. In the south east in particular, there have been a number of closures recently. Money was allocated yesterday. I believe that the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, will speak this afternoon about a scheme of assistance to help nursing homes with the higher energy costs. The National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, will be reviewing, once again, the charges that apply. There will be supports put in to help with the viability but clearly, it is a challenge that a lot of providers are facing.