Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have heard from emotional families of people who were residents and who have worked there, and it is understandable that they are emotional. We have also heard from people who have felt the loss of this facility to their community, and it is regrettable that any service is ever lost from any community.

I thank the witnesses for coming in to put forward the case for what the rationale behind those decisions was. When it comes to a care facility, the quality of care and the safety of patients are the utmost priority and if HIQA deems things unsafe or in a situation where people cannot get the care that we should and must provide to them in 2023 then unfortunately decisions need to be made in that context. I thank the witnesses for coming to explain that because it is an emotive topic. From what we have heard from people on the ground, including the local representatives with whom we have dealt, the care at this service sounds like it was second to none. Unfortunately, however, the building sounds like it could not be remediated or extended to make this work and that is unfortunate but I am pleased that it is still in use as a healthcare facility and I want to thank everyone for making that happen.