Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A county-by-county comparison complied by Nursing Homes Ireland has shown clearly that there are significant price differentials between private and HSE-run nursing homes. The extensive analysis reveals that, for example, in County Offaly the price per week of a HSE nursing home as of January was €1,959 while private nursing home fees were over €900 less, starting at €1,009. In County Laois, the situation is even more striking. HSE nursing homes there are charging an average of €2,585 per week compared with €1,039 for a privately-run facility. Will the Taoiseach direct the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to engage immediately with the HSE to investigate this matter as there needs to be access to a level playing field for all, regardless of whether it is a private nursing home or a HSE nursing home? People should not feel they are being ripped off.

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