Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I again thank Deputies Farrell and Connolly for raising this important matter in respect of Aras Mhic Dara community nursing unit in Carraroe. As I said previously, I will meet the HSE on the particular issue of the nine beds, which is the principal issue raised this evening in the House. I take account of the wider issues in the region in terms of rural and community nursing homes and it is something else I will discuss. The particular issue of the nine beds in Áras Mhic Dara is critical. As I said, there are 38 beds registered in Áras Mhic Dara and 29 of these are open. They cannot have any more residents at present as the opening of these beds is dependent on safe staffing levels. As I said earlier, HSE west and north west is committed to filling all vacant posts in Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit and is exploring all available options to fill these posts. These include the current recruitment campaign for staff nurses and multitask attendants.

I assure Deputies Farrell and Connolly that all efforts are being made on a continuous basis to ensure staffing is in place to maximise the residential capacity in the facility. Once the full complement of staff has been recruited to Áras Mhic Dara community nursing unit, the HSE will in a position to open the remaining nine beds. As I said, the HSE and I are committed to maximising all available services for older people and the Connemara region. The HSE continuously reviews its services in line with population health planning and Sláintecare principles to ensure adequate and appropriate residential care services are available for our older population. In a very practical way, as I stated, I have already put the wheels in motion in terms of meeting the HSE, and I hope to do this relatively quickly to see what is the specific situation in terms of recruiting staff to open the nine beds and have the full complement of 38 beds in Áras Mhic Dara community nursing home in Carraroe.

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