Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. He indicated that registration takes up to a maximum of 90 days provided all necessary documentation is supplied. The complaint I have had from applicants is that it is six to eight weeks after submission that they are being told their documentation is not in order. That leads to a delay in the process. I am proposing that all applications be assessed within a very short timeframe, preferably within a week of their being submitted, and if any documentation is missing, the candidate should be notified immediately rather than having to wait six to eight weeks for such notification.

In regard to the adaptation courses, my understanding is that Nursing Homes Ireland intends to seek to expedite the provision of those courses by putting its own funding in place, with the co-operation of hospitals. It has no choice in the matter, and the Department needs to understand the urgency of this situation.More than 23,500 people are accommodated in private nursing homes. While these homes are well run by competent staff, when staff shortages occur, the downside is that patients suffer. This is the reason I seek to have this matter prioritised.