Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have been deeply distressed and worried and have intervened and worked with HIQA, the Department and the HSE on Aperee nursing homes. Some 15 companies own 10,700 beds in the private sector. That is the reality of the situation with which we are dealing. On 6 September, I think, HIQA published 50 reports; 17 were compliant and 33 had non-compliance. I read each and every one. Six Aperee Living homes were listed. There were very deep concerns. HIQA have mine and the Minister's full support to go into these homes and make the necessary changes. It tries to work with every nursing home to put in place a compliance plan; that did not happen. One of the Aperee Living homes in Kinsale has closed, as has one in my area, only 20 minutes down the road from me - Aperee Living Ballygunner. Last Friday week, the HSE took over Aperee Living in Callan. HIQA is keeping a special eye and focus on Aperee Living homes at the moment.

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