Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

It is the policy of the Department of Health and Children to maintain older people in dignity and independence at home in accordance with their wishes, and at the same time to provide high quality residential care for older people when living at home is no longer possible.

The Government's commitment to the development of a comprehensive range of services for older people has been demonstrated by the significantly increased resources made available in recent years. From 1997 to 2005 inclusive, additional spending on services for older people is in excess of €302 million. In the budget package announced for 2006, additional revenue funding of €150 million in full year costs was allocated, that is €110 million in 2006 and a further €40 million in 2007, for services for older people and palliative care.

The proposed development in Tralee is a 50-bed unit to be built on a greenfield site located off the Killerisk Road, Tralee. The facility will comprise two modules of 25 beds each, plus ancillary facilities providing continuing care, respite and convalescent care to dependent older people.

The prioritisation of all health capital developments is a matter for the HSE under the Health Act 2004. The capital plan has been approved by the HSE board and was recently submitted to the Tánaiste for consideration. The plan, which includes the proposed development at Tralee Community Hospital, is being considered by the Department of Health and Children in conjunction with the Department of Finance. I expect to be in a position to revert to the HSE in the near future about the plan.

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