Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

He will visit again and we will welcome him. Loughloe House was built in 1979 as a public home for the elderly supplied by the health authorities. The Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, found grave problems. In approximately six weeks, many of the errors HIQA had discovered in its infrastructure had been remedied and Loughloe House is now right in every respect.

Only eight residents remain. It was built for 39, then the number of residents dropped to 29. Everyone got a place wherever they wished inasmuch as they could. It was not always possible, but it was in most instances. The residents' relatives are good and visit them often and they are in receipt of a good quality of care from nursing and visiting medical staff. Thankfully, the deadline for Loughloe House's closure was lifted. Its residents are happy to be there.

While I have the floor and the Minister of State is in attendance, I will mention how there are many idle beds in that fine facility. Nursing home places in the Athlone area are fast running out. Most of the people in question are from Athlone or its hinterland and there is a need for a place that has spare beds. I worked with others to ensure the deadline was lifted and Loughloe House remained open, a situation about which I am glad. While it remains open, it is proper that the elderly who are looking for respite or long-term accommodation be accommodated there. It is a homely place that was built in a modern fashion in 1979 - a square around a quadrangle, which is how it is expected people in elderly accommodation would live. They have views of people in the little bays and wings. It was lovely to be there during the summer and to see those people so happy. I hope we can use the spare beds and that the happy existence of those of the original residents who remain will continue to be accommodated while they live out their lives with daily visits from relatives.

A great deal of good work has been done for the elderly. Every effort is being made to ensure that the good work continues. The fair deal is a great package. It has brought ease of mind not just to many older people, but to their relatives and the wider families who were under a great deal of pressure with regard to what to do with their loved ones.

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