Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue as it provides me with an opportunity to reaffirm the Government's commitment to developing community-based services at local level. Government policy on older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the current partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

The Government's objective of continued development of community-based services for older persons is reflected in the funding given to the system in recent times. Since 2006, more than €500 million in additional funding has been invested in long-term care supports for older people. This includes the largest ever investment of more than €200 million to develop community care services.

As the Deputy is aware the Health Act 2004 provides the Health Service Executive with responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. As a statutory body, the provision of these services, including progressing community services at local level, is therefore an operational matter for the executive.

The HSE is committed, through its national service and capital plans, to deliver services within its Vote provided by the Oireachtas. The HSE at present provides or supports the following services on the Meath Hospital site, including two primary care teams, the south inner city partnership, a community nursing unit, comprising 54 beds and day care, the Irish Wheelchair Association and a social inclusion service.

When the Meath Hospital moved to Tallaght, various proposals were evolved and considered for the Meath Hospital site. However, none of these proposals ever proceeded beyond initial consideration and this is still the position. No decision, therefore, has been taken to either allocate to or withdraw funding from the old Meath Hospital site.

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