Mr. Bernard Gloster:

At group level, they did identify that they have a significant pressure with some of the old Nightingale wards in respect of the comfort of people utilising them. The original plan on the 96-bed block was for 48 new and 48 replacement beds. First, I am currently in discussion with the Minister - and hope to finalise in the coming days - on the possibility of changing that profile fundamentally to increase the number of beds that are new, rather than replacements, as well as to refurbish the Nightingale wards to retain as many of the beds as we can. We cannot, however, retain all of the Nightingale beds; that would not be possible. Second, I hope to get a further advance this year on the second 96-bed block. Recruitment in respect of the first 96 beds will happen in time for it to be opened. I am sure the Deputy, as well as other members, have read that a new community nursing unit is to be constructed in Nenagh, that is, a 50-bed unit constructed under the CNU programme that will serve its long-term purpose of being a CNU. However we have proposed and are proceeding with a plan to temporarily change the use of that and to operate it as a sub-acute unit, which would immediately give us 50 step-down beds.