Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

To go back again to the complement of staff, when the beds closed, I sought a derogation in person to make sure, because of the moratorium, that we could have permanent whole-time equivalents there. It is very important for older people especially that they have continuity in the staff they are seeing. My understanding, and what I want to achieve, is that 48 of 90 community nursing units are being reconfigured and rebuilt to a very high standard. This investment is approximately €35 million. As I said, and I cannot state it clearly enough, this will encompass what was the district hospital and what was respite rehabilitation in the St. Anne's section. It will be a whole continuum of care.

It will not be just long-stay beds like people under the fair deal. We have to be able to provide all the support, including, respite, rehab and palliative care. A dementia offering is also very important and is something I am focusing on.

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