James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional or replacement long stay nursing home beds currently under construction; the number of the additional or replacement long stay nursing home beds currently under construction which will be commissioned in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5160/09]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The provision of services for older people is a priority for Government. A commitment has been made to provide 860 additional public long-stay beds for older people under the Fast-Track Initiative and these are in the process of being put in place. Older people have also been specifically highlighted in the Social Inclusion Priority of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The latest information from the HSE indicates that 704 additional beds and 492 replacement beds will become operational during 2009. This includes beds being provided under the Capital Plan and beds being provided under the Fast-Track Initiative.

In terms of the number of beds currently under construction, I have asked the HSE to provide detailed information directly to the Deputy.