Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There could be. Actually there is. I will read what is here and then I will come back to that question. I thank the Ceann Comhairle. Following the resignation of a medical officer in 2017, the HSE managed, with great difficulty, to engage another GP to provide the service. However, in September 2017 a second medical officer retired. Despite strenuous efforts to engage another GP in the area the HSE was unable to source GP cover for the fifth day. The HSE decided that it was necessary to protect the 54 long-stay beds and that the respite service affecting nine beds in Fermoy had to be curtailed. This service was to be provided by local nursing homes.

I am pleased to advise Deputy O’Keeffe that, following a recent meeting with a local general practitioner, agreement has been reached to provide the necessary medical cover on a temporary basis. This will enable respite beds to reopen in the community hospital in Fermoy. I understand that this is expected to happen in the coming days and patients are booked in for next week. The public health nurse continues to liaise with the families. As I have said, this is a temporary measure and the Health Service Executive has confirmed to the Department that the Cork and Kerry community health care organisation will continue in its efforts to find a permanent sustainable solution. Officials from the Department will continue to monitor this situation carefully and the HSE has been asked to keep the Minister, Deputy Daly, updated on progress.

I will come in on some of the issues which the Deputy raised when I respond to his supplementary statement. I take note that the statement only covers five days.

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