John Whelan (Labour)

They carried the moral support from Members across this House into the High Court when they brought a halt to the HSE's plan to close Abbeyleix. This win is the first round of a long battle to save Abbeyleix and other community nursing homes in the midlands. Abbeyleix has become a byword for care in the community and the HSE has given a solemn undertaking before the President of the High Court, Mr. Justice Nicholas Kearns, to engage in meaningful discussions with residents and their families. A precedent has been set that the HSE cannot simply tell people they are going to be turfed out. I look forward to the Minister for Health visiting Abbeyleix at the earliest opportunity and, without pre-empting the outcome of the review of the decision on the future of Abbeyleix, if some people have their way the community hospital will be around longer than the Seanad.