Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy might appreciate that I may not be able to give him full information on the particular case he raises. I recall, however, that on the Order of Business on Tuesday, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Jim Daly, responded to similar concerns expressed by some Fianna Fáil colleagues.

My understanding of this case is that it is a decision to be made by the HSE but that the audits that have taken place in advance of decisions being made had to focus on patient safety, patient care and ensuring the HSE can stand over that for the individuals and the families concerned. However, there should be consultation with families. If the conditions under which elderly people are being cared for is to change dramatically in terms of location, the consultation on a decision like that should require detailed consultation with families and reassurance for families that decisions are being made for their loved ones for the right reasons. I will speak to the Minister of State concerned and try to get him to come back to the Deputy with a more detailed assessment from the HSE in terms of what has happened to date.

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