Ms Louise McGirr:

In relation to the nursing homes, we are obviously very aware that nursing homes are closing in 2023. However, overall, there continues to be growth in this area on a net basis.

New beds are opening, as well as new residential places. It is difficult for families affected by this if it is not in the locality or the region. It is a priority for the Department that in the event of local closures, they are managed and well planned with access to new residential care. It is also important to note a number of actions taken to support nursing homes, most recently in the last budget which had the temporary inflation fund of €100 million towards the end of the last year. This was dispersed among the voluntaries and the nursing homes to assist them.