Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of private nursing homes and the challenges they are facing. Sixteen private nursing homes have closed in recent months and a number of others are considering closing. That is because of what they are allowed. There was a comment recently to the effect that a nursing home that closed was getting €950 per week per bed under the fair deal scheme, while a public nursing home up the road was costing €1,900 per bed per week. What will be done? I understand further funding is available from the Department of Health but there is no engagement with the nursing home sector. This is what they are advising me. I have been speaking to representatives of a number of nursing homes in recent days. We want to make sure there are no further closures. It costs over €8,000 per bed per week in a hospital. We need these nursing home beds kept in place.

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