Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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There was a similar campaign in Abbeyleix at the same time. Some 24,000 people begged the HSE not to close a public nursing home. Unfortunately, a foolish decision was made. In the same week, it was announced that we do not have enough public nursing home beds. I mention that to explain the background I am coming from. I am passionate about this issue. I note that 79% of beds are private and 21% are public. Can Mr. O'Brien explain whether the HSE is legally obliged to maintain a certain ratio of public and private beds?