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

We all recognise the quality of work done in nursing homes and community care settings nationally, particularly by staff and doctors not to mention carers. Many people have taken up the role of carer in hospitals and become a central part of units, in particular units for older people. Public nursing units are central to our infrastructure. Without them, many older people would not have access to the care they need. These units will continue to be very necessary over the coming years. As the Minister has said, the number of older people is increasing in line with demographic trends. However, we must strive constantly to modernise and improve infrastructure and the settings in which these beds are being delivered by Government. It is, therefore, essential that these beds be put on a sustainable footing and that the fabric of the buildings in which they operate be modernised and improved. Having said that, it is expected that 4,500 additional short and long-term beds will be required across the public system and in community nursing units and other step-down faculties, as the Deputy said, and as identified by the health capacity review. Health capacity programmes under way include the planned investment in community nursing homes which will continue. I have been assured by Deputy Jim Daly that as Minister of State with responsibility for older people he is conscious of the work being done in many hospitals nationally. He realises the buildings may have become outdated but the staff have not. I thank Deputy McGrath.

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