Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I am pleased to have the opportunity to respond on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

The management and delivery of health and personal social services are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. This includes responsibility for the provision of services for older people. The HSE has advised that it has completed a business case proposal for Thearmann Éanna, Tullach, Baile na hAbhann and costed the proposal for a consultant led rehab team for the west Galway catchment area. The business case proposal includes accommodation and staffing at Tearmann Éanna which will include an eight bed hostel to accommodate older mental health service users from the local area.

Work has commenced in outfitting the building and I am informed by the HSE that this should be completed in the next two months. I understand decisions in respect of service delivery from the facility will be made by the HSE shortly.

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