Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)

Like everybody else I am very concerned about what happened yesterday and how the information on the closure of the home was released to the media. I am concerned about the 80 patients and staff who are now in turmoil. At the beginning of the year Brú Chaoimhín on Cork Street was closed with the loss of 120 beds and now 80 beds have been closed in Tallaght.

The new unit in Inchicore is lovely. It has not been opened but only has capacity for 50 beds. In 2009 the HSE made a commitment in writing to the residents in St. Michael's that 15% of the allocation of beds in the new long-term care centre would be given to people living in Inchicore, Kilmainhan and Ballyfermot. To date nothing has happened. I am concerned that 120 beds which are vital for people who want to return to and live in the community will be lost.

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