Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I think the statistics he outlined about the level of activity are quite significant. I am conscious that there are many staff in various Departments who are very enthusiastic in responding to the 52,000 parliamentary questions - I say that in jest. We have to remember the people who toil in the offices across the public service to do their best to get transparency and to answer the questions. We thank them for that work. It was a very useful summation, which reflects the positive productivity of this House and democracy. Aontaím go hiomlán leis an méid a dúirt an Ceann Comhairle. Tá súil agam go mbeirimid go léir beo ag an am seo arís. Is é an saghas meoin atá agam féin ná go mbeimid anseo roimh an Nollaig seo chugainn. B'fhéidir nach mbeidh gach éinne eile den tuairim chéanna.

The closure of nursing homes is distressing for residents and their families. It puts pressure on local health services and social care facilities. We are conscious of the financial challenges faced by the nursing home sector. That is why we have provided substantial support to nursing homes over the pandemic and beyond the pandemic. We have the fair deal scheme, which is a significant scheme that facilitates the provision of nursing home supports.

More than €40 million in additional funding has been provided this year in respect of that.

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