Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the capital funding that has been allocated to public facilities for long-stay bed units to be upgraded in accordance with the new Health Information and Quality Authority standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20538/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2002, there has been a significant capital investment in infrastructure to support services for older people. In 2002, approximately €39m was invested. By 2007 this figure has increased to approximately €86m. The 2008 outturn is in the region of €115m. In addition to the construction of new units, the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides funding to upgrade existing premises.

The Executive's delivery of Community Nursing Units (CNU) and the upgrading of existing facilities is informed by the Prospectus Report which identified and prioritised the areas of greatest need and developed a programme of additional and replacement long stay residential places. This report indicated that in general, it would be more cost effective to replace rather than upgrade and refurbish the majority of the existing bed stock which didn't meet current guidelines. However, in cases where it is necessary to upgrade facilities to meet the standards it is a matter for the HSE to prioritise this expenditure within its Capital Plan and in this regard the Executive is working on an Action Plan to prioritise a phased programme of refurbishment and replacement of existing public nursing homes to meet the new standards. As the Deputy's question is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.