Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Thankfully, day care facilities in most of the former health board areas have very good accommodation. I have visited many health care units throughout the country, new and old, which are well staffed and provide recreational, medical and, in many cases, meal services during the daytime. These services are being extended every year.

The Government is spending €1 billion per year on the care of the elderly, which is a significant amount. There is a capital programme in each region, which includes allocation for the costs associated with such programmes, although I do not have details on individual programmes. Resources are being constantly expanded and extended. Each year we try to improve services and bring more on-stream, in the rural heartlands as well as the cities. We will continue to do so. If the Deputy wishes to provide me with the details of the centre in Cootehill, I will get somebody to look at the matter.

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