Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. That meeting sounds very positive. Long ago I used to believe the budget was set each autumn but I know work on the new budget has already begun. It is positive the Minister of State has had those negotiations and talks.

Even though we are talking about our country's older population, a comparison could be drawn with childcare at the other end of the age spectrum. In childcare, there is the private sector, the public sector and community childcare. There are funding columns, though childcare providers say they are not perfect and there are shortfalls. It is important that the likes of Cahercalla and Carrigoran have something beyond the current fund. The current fund is positive but putting in fire doors is quite expensive. I believe a standard single fire door at the moment costs around €7,000. The capital expansion these hospitals merit needs a better funding column. The Minister of State did it for St. Senan's, Kilrush last year and there was a fabulous outcome but it should be broadened.

I would love to see community hospitals moved from section 39 to section 38 arrangements so they are directly funded, like St. Joseph's, Ennis, by the HSE and there is no annual scratching of heads about how to fund it. They would have certainty that there would be money to properly run these facilities. They are wonderful and deserve as much State backing as we can give them.

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