Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will certainly communicate that to the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. I reiterate that the Department of Health, the HSE, the Minister for Health and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, are all committed to the development of a new CNU for Cashel. Provision has been made in this year's capital programme to progress a 60-bed CNU for Cashel. A site in Cashel town is currently being reviewed by the HSE for suitability for the new CNU.

Services are still be provided at St. Patrick's Hospital in Cashel. An assessment and rehabilitation unit and a day hospital for older persons services continue to operate, and will continue. I will bring the concerns raised by Senator Ahearn to the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler. There is a commitment there and there is funding in the HSE capital plan. Work is under way to review a particular site and let us hope that this is successful.