Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is aware the HSE has a plan in place to dramatically alter the distribution of elderly care long-stay beds in north Tipperary. The existing 25 beds in the Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit will be transferred to Nenagh in order to justify a bigger unit. The HSE has consistently ignored all representations to correct this absurd and unacceptable situation. It is obviously running the show and is dictating policy. The Ministers with responsibility appear to have no say or zero influence with the HSE. Is it the policy of the Government to downgrade the Dean Maxwell unit? Will the Taoiseach please tell the people of Roscrea he is not going to stand back and allow the HSE to close the long-stay unit? On behalf of the people of Roscrea, I am asking him to insist on the HSE investing in a modern facility offering a broad range of services, one which caters for the needs of older people and incorporates a bed complement for residential care for the people of the town. I also ask that the day centre be reopened. It has not opened since Covid, which is causing considerable disruption for people and anger.

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