Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy about the great contribution of Cobh Community Hospital and its staff, and acknowledge the service they provide to the community. I accept they provide a range of services for older people in the community and the surrounding areas.

I return to the core issue of the debate. The Government's core stated objective is to promote care in the community in order that people can continue to live with confidence, security and dignity in their homes and communities for as long as possible, which is what older people and all Deputies want. There are patients in genuine need of residential care, whether on a long-stay or short-stay basis, and their safety and well-being is of paramount concern. The HSE fully acknowledges, as do I, that the community hospital provides and will continue to provide important services to the people of Cobh and the surrounding communities. Furthermore, the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, has engaged with the senior management of the HSE on the matter and is confident a resolution can be found. I am optimistic about him doing so.

I trust that the Deputy will agree we need to ensure that the highest standard of care will continue to be provided for residents in a safe and secure environment, while providing high quality and safe care will always remain at the heart of any considerations. I accept all the Deputy's concerns about Castlemartyr and will convey them to the Minister of State, Deputy Daly.

On a lighter note, I commend what the Deputy stated about Cobh Ramblers, an excellent club of which I am well aware, for its contribution to the hospital following a game. On what was probably a sadder note for the Deputy, my local club, Shelbourne FC, recently signed two players from Cobh Ramblers and thanks to them, managed to win the first division league.

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