Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is exactly why an independent review of the services provided at Drumcar is needed. It is also why I am bitterly disappointed a specialised review of the facility is not taking place. We need to remember that the population is getting older. In the next 30 years the number of people over 65 will double, while the number over 85 will quadruple. All aspects of the health system will be under strain, especially residential units. There is no point in providing residential units if they will be substandard. For that reason, I encourage the Minister of State to bring the message back to the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris, that an independent review of the facility in Drumcar is needed.