Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

Prior to the 2009 nursing homes Act there were three types of nursing homes, public, private and voluntary. In the Act the voluntary sector was included with the private sector. In my constituency a community voluntary hospital is being included with the private sector, something which is happening all over the country.

The funding provided by the NTPF for a public bed is approximately €1,100 and is €750 for a private bed which, through stealth, makes such facilities no longer viable. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, to appear before the House to explain why this happened and to rectify the matter. Otherwise, community voluntary hospitals which are providing community beds for elderly people will be closed.