Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The Government has made services for older people a priority and is fully committed to the development of a comprehensive health service capable of responding quickly, fully and effectively to the health service needs of older people. In recent years, health and social services for older people have improved both in hospitals and in the community. Since coming into office, the Government has substantially increased the level of funding, both capital and revenue, in respect of services for older people. In excess of €302 million in additional funding has been provided for services for older people from 1997 to date. This serves to demonstrate the Government's ongoing commitment to improving services for our older population.

Significant capital funding for the health sector has been provided since the commencement of the national development plan in 2000. A day care centre is recognised as an important service in the continuum of care necessary to support older people to remain living at home. It provides older people in the area with a facility where they can meet new friends and enjoy recreational activities, thus promoting social contact among older people and preventing loneliness. Such facilities provide a break for carers and social and physical stimulation in a safe environment for older members of the local community.

Older people deserve first-class facilities and recent years have seen dramatic changes in both the concept and practice of services for older people. Good progress has been made, and continues to be made, in developing a comprehensive, community-based service that is integrated with other health services. The shift in the delivery of services from predominantly hospital-based care is achieving success. There is no doubt the quality of care for older people has been enhanced by this development. The issues surrounding older people and their welfare are given priority by this Government.

The MacBride community nursing unit is a 40-bed Health Service Executive western area facility located in Westport, County Mayo. The existing services include residential, respite, day care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy outreach services. The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, including its capital programme.

The progression of the proposed day care centre at the MacBride nursing unit is therefore a matter for the HSE. The proposal to refurbish the building is primarily aimed at increasing day care capacity to cater for the waiting list for this service. Approximately 18 to 20 persons attend the service on a daily basis. To increase capacity, it is necessary to reorganise the services internally as the site available is limited for development purposes.

The Department has been provided with the details in respect of this project by the HSE. The proposed works consist of both new build and refurbishment proposals at the existing unit. Planning permission has been granted and a fire safety certificate has issued for the project. However, an outstanding issue of site ownership must be addressed before the project can proceed further. Professional fees paid to date for the project amount to nearly €47,000, an element of which was in respect of upgrading works to the existing nursing unit. It is a matter for the HSE to consider the proposed development at the unit in the context of its overall priorities and funding resources for 2005 or beyond.

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