Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I wish to raise the issue of Plunkett Home in Boyle, County Roscommon, operated under the aegis of the Western Health Board and providing a fantastic service to the people of north Roscommon. It was built in the 1960s, replacing the district hospital in Boyle and has provided extremely good services. As chairman of the Western Health Board in 2001 and 2002, I visited the home on many occasions. I am concerned about the recent propaganda regarding a reduction in the number of beds at the home. I fail to understand how there could be any possibility of any reduction in numbers at the Plunkett Home in Boyle because every bed is needed and there is a considerable waiting list for admission.

As well as providing 24 hour a day services, the home also provides services for out patients and the elderly of the area and there is sheltered housing in the grounds. Over the years, the Plunkett Home in Boyle with its excellent management and staff has proven very popular in the area and I receive numerous demands from people who wish to reside there.

I understand negotiations are ongoing between the Western Health Board and staff in respect of the staff complement at the welfare home in Boyle but these negotiations should be successfully concluded and should ultimately result in the retention of the full complement of beds at the home. Nothing less would be acceptable. It is regrettable that this issue is being used in the run up to the local and European elections on 11 June and it is important that the Minister for Health and Children allay the fears of the residents and their families and the staff in regard to any possibility of any reduction of the services at the Plunkett Home.

I am surprised this issue has arisen. I do not know the source of the propaganda and I hope the Minister of State will be able to clarify the position. I cannot understand why the Western Health Board should have any difficulties in respect of staffing at the Plunkett Home in Boyle because it has been staffed by a professional work force.