Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Hayes, to the House.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I have raised this matter on the Adjournment on a number of occasions because it is important for the people of Waterford city and for older people. I am looking for an update on what is being done to meet the need for additional community nursing beds. I am specifically interested in the plans to build a new specialist community nursing unit in Waterford city. I will set out the history of this issue for the Minister of State. In 2008, 19 beds at St. Bridget's ward in St. Patrick's Hospital in the city were closed on the advice of the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA. At that time, the then Minister for Health and Children gave a clear commitment that the beds would be replaced as part of the development of a new 50-bed community nursing unit. The last time I questioned a Minister on this matter, I was told that the commitment which had been given was subject to funding being available. The Minister also cited the Prospectus report, which looked at the need for nursing home spaces across the State. Given that the report was published in 2008, obviously it did not take account of the loss to Waterford city of 19 beds as a consequence of the closure of the ward at St. Patrick's Hospital.

The Prospectus report said that capacity was fine up to 2013. Given that we are now in 2014, it is timely to ask the Minister for Health to give us information on the Department's future plans to meet the needs of the citizens and older people of Waterford city. I would like to ask a number of questions in that context. Have the demographics changed since the Prospectus report was published in 2008? Is the need for more nursing home units accepted by the Department, the Minister and the HSE? If so, what plans are in place to build a new unit? If capital funding is to be made available, when will it actually be delivered and when will the unit be built?

I would like the Minister for Health to respond to those questions. He gave a clear commitment to the people of Waterford when he visited St. Patrick's Hospital in the city before the last general election and met patients, families and staff at the hospital. He said he was concerned about the closure of St. Bridget's ward and he gave a commitment to support the construction of a new community nursing unit on the grounds of St. Patrick's Hospital. I am interested in hearing what the current position is. Have there been any changes in the Government's thinking? Is there now an established need? Will money be available? What plans are in place to build a new unit on the grounds of the hospital?

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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I thank Senator Cullinane for raising this issue and enabling me to give the House a clear update on the current position. The Government has a policy of supporting older people to live with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not feasible, the health service supports access to quality long-term residential care where appropriate. The health service is continuing to develop and improve health services in all regions of the country to ensure quality and patient safety. Before 2009, the provision of a community residential care facility at St. Patrick's Hospital was included in the list of capital construction projects. As a consequence of the economic downturn and the resulting substantial reduction in the capital funding available for the HSE construction programme, however, it was not possible to deliver this or other projects. In 2012, the HSE reviewed its long-stay bed complement and developed viability plans. Priority locations for funding were identified in 2013.

In the case of the project referred to by the Senator, the health service has undertaken a historic building assessment report and completed a development control plan. The project that is now proposed involves the construction of a 100-bed community nursing unit on the St. Patrick's campus, to replace the existing accommodation at St. Patrick's Hospital and St. Otteran's Hospital. The health service is in the process of appointing a number of design teams for a variety of projects, including this community nursing unit, which will enable building design, statutory approvals and tender documents be completed. As with all capital projects, this project must be considered within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There will always be more construction projects than can be funded by the Exchequer.

The method and timescale for the delivery of health care infrastructure is a dynamic process which is constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There is limited funding available for new projects over the period 2014-18 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. The HSE has submitted to my Department its draft capital plan for the multi-annual five year period 2014-18. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the health service where further details may be required. The proposed plan requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)
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I welcome the fact that it is on the face of it good news that the Government is looking at a 100-bed unit in the grounds of St. Patrick's Hospital. It is also good news that it is part of the HSE's viability plan and a design team will be put in place, which will allow for statutory approvals and tender documents to be completed. The plan then goes on to say that this will be part of a range of capital projects across the State and that again, all of this is subject to funding. While it is good news that this is being considered and that designs will be drawn up, what people will want to know is whether the money will be delivered to enable this to be built. Is there any requirement for matching funding or will it be 100% funding? I know the Minister of State may not have those answers with him but he might follow up with the Minister for Health to get them. I will follow this up separately because the people of Waterford have a real need. If it is delivered, the Government and Minister should be commended and it is a good news story but the fact that it is still subject to funding would be a concern. I hope that an indication could be given as soon as possible that the funding will be made available.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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It is very good news and the 100 beds are good for Waterford and surrounding areas. There are many competing projects in the south-eastern region but I can see from the response received by the Senator that it is good news. I would not underestimate it because I live in that region and know what other areas are getting. They are not getting as positive a response. I will relay the Senator's question regarding timescales to the Minister but Waterford is in a good position. I would be positive but I do not want to say any more than that.