Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising the important issue of younger people in nursing homes. There are also younger people staying in hospitals for a prolonged period, months or years in some cases, because there is nowhere for them to go other than a nursing home, which is inappropriate. This is an issue we will talk about a good deal in the next couple of months. The Ombudsman is doing a report on the matter as we speak and that is why a specific commitment is included in the programme for Government.

I am sorry to hear about Jennifer's situation. I will not comment on an individual case without having information on it but I know there are thousands of younger people in Ireland who are living in nursing homes with older people. While I am sure they get good care, it is not right and I have seen this. One goes into a nursing home where all the activities are designed for older people and to see a young person stuck there with them is heartbreaking. I know from my experience as a doctor a long time ago that we often have younger people in a single room in a hospital or in a hospital bed for months because there is nowhere else for them to go. That is why we have a specific commitment to deal with this in the programme for Government.

It may need a mix of solutions, including, obviously, much enhanced home care and adaptions to home in order that people can return home and in some cases it may mean specific homes for younger people. The problem will not be solved quickly but it is on our agenda. I promise the Deputies that.

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