Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Taoiseach about a sensitive and emotive constituency issue relating to the review of the national development plan, NDP, which I understand is to be launched next week, on 4 October. On numerous occasions I have raised this issue with him but I raise it one last time in the hope he will be able to resolve it. It relates to the Dean Maxwell nursing home in Roscrea. A submission has been made in respect of the NDP from a group at the home. It is a comprehensive submission and I ask the Taoiseach to seriously consider it and ensure it is announced as part of the new NDP. We need more public nursing homes and, in particular, a new unit in Roscrea. This issue is the biggest priority for the people of the town. I urge the Taoiseach to ensure it happens because, according to both HIQA and a letter from the Minister for Health to the group at the home, this unit will close to long-term residents on 1 January 2022. That cannot happen. The town needs its nursing home, and a long-stay one at that. Will the Taoiseach please ensure it happens?

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