Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Keane for raising this issue. The overarching policy of the Government is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and to support access to quality long-term residential care where this is appropriate.

When it becomes necessary for an older person to move to a nursing home, their safety and well-being is paramount. We have to ensure the highest standards of care are provided to all residents in a safe and secure environment, and that we meet, in the best possible way, the needs of those who require our services. The HSE is responsible for the delivery of health and personal social services, including those at St Brigid's Hospital, Crooksling. As the Senator is aware, St. Brigid's provides residential services for 66 people and day care services to about 15 people from Tallaght, Clondalkin, Blessington, Saggart and Rathcoole. These services will continue into the foreseeable future. Notwithstanding better economic news recently, resource availability remains tight for the HSE across all its services. In the case of community nursing units, there are challenges regarding staffing, funding and the age and structure of the unit, as the Senator has pointed out, but the Department and the HSE are working on an ongoing basis to address these issues. I assure the Senator that no decision has been taken to close St. Brigid's. The hospital registered with HIQA in June 2012 for a period of three years and the HSE has confirmed to me it will apply to re-register the hospital with HIQA. Residents and their families can be assured that management and staff will continue to work to provide the highest possible standards at St. Brigid's.

I take the point made by Senator Keane that we have an ageing infrastructure which requires significant investment. That is something we are working on, even as we speak.