Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept the valid points the Senator has made about Kenmare hospital. I acknowledge, as does the HSE, the importance of the role facilities like Kenmare community hospital provide to the people in the region. The welfare of residents is a priority for the staff and management who are very appreciative of the support the hospital receives from families and the local community. However, the HSE cannot open additional beds unless the appropriate level of nursing staff is in place to ensure the service provided is safe and of the optimum quality for elderly residents who require professional nursing care.

I take on board the Senator's point about highly trained nurses leaving the country along with his value-for-money economic argument on the €8 million it cost to build the hospital with the wards half-empty. He also spoke about the nurses' terms and conditions, and the high cost of agency nurses. I regularly say to Government that a lot of the resources could be spent in that direction. I will bring the Senator's concerns back to the Minister of State. The HSE will continue to make every effort to recruit the nursing staff for Kenmare community hospital.