Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

Based on the hospitals listed, I understand the Deputy's question to refer to north Dublin, that is, to the area previously covered by the former northern area health board.

The number of long-stay nursing home beds in Dublin North at present is about 2,260. This includes 1,300 beds in private nursing homes, 440 in voluntary nursing homes and 520 in public nursing homes. This equates to 43 long-term care beds per 1,000 people over the age of 65 and compares favourably to the international norm of 45 beds per 1,000 people over the age of 65.

The new 100 bed community nursing unit which was commissioned at St. Mary's Hospital in the Phoenix Park is now fully occupied. Building work has commenced on an additional 100 bed community nursing unit at St. Joseph's Hospital, Raheny, which is scheduled to open in 2009. Planning permission has also been sought for an additional 100 bed community nursing unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview and for a 50 bed community nursing unit at Oldtown, County Dublin. These developments, when completed, will bring bed numbers in Dublin North into line with, or above, international norms.

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