Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On the funding of the private nursing homes, last year my budget was €1.4 billion. The private nursing homes received €1 billion of that €1.4 billion, supporting 18,000 people, whereas the HSE supports 4,500 people under fair deal. It must also be appreciated that residential HSE-run community nursing units and community hospitals are often staffed at a level that allows the delivery of more complex care where required. These facilities represent less than 20% of the fair deal scheme.

The Deputy said he has not seen the evidence. Today, for example, I was in Cherry Orchard Hospital. I just pick this as it was the most recent one I was in. It currently provides residential care for 113 residents, both male and female. I did see a difference in the supports being provided. Nursing care is available for intravenous drugs; IV fluids; sub-cutaneous fluids; tracheotomy care; and care for those requiring medication via syringe driver. Nursing staff on site include registered general nurses, many of whom have postgraduate qualifications, and a registered advanced nurse practitioner in older persons services with a specialist interest in behavioural therapy. There was also a consultant physician in care of the elderly available, medical officers, pharmacists, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. I am trying to say that we are not comparing like with like across all the nursing homes. They vary. The nursing home sector is very fragmented - 15 companies provide 10,700 nursing home beds in Ireland. I am very conscious of the small, voluntary, rural nursing homes that are family run and are in trouble. I will take this opportunity to assure the sector that I am taking the matter very seriously. I am engaging with my officials as a matter of urgency to appropriately address the challenges the sector faces. At the same time, all the nursing homes must manage their financial challenges. I must manage mine as well. I am acutely aware of the challenges at the moment.

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