John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 456: To ask the Minister for Health if he will immediately discuss with Health Service Executive management plans for the closure of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will appreciate that news of the closure has come as a great shock to the local community and many families; the plans that are in place to look after existing patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29468/11]

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an up to date report on plans for a nursing home (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a replacement facility will be completed; the plans of the Health Service Executive for the current site in view of the fact that it is a good location for a nursing home or senior citizen's facility due to its easy access from Tallaght. [29578/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 462 together.

The nursing home in question was established in 1959. It was originally a Tuberculosis clinic opened in 1935. There are 80 residents currently at the facility. There is also a day centre at the front of the main building providing a service to older persons from the local community.

The HSE completed a survey of the physical infrastructure, mechanical services installations and water & drainage services at the Unit and found substantial issues and deficits in these areas. It is estimated that it would cost almost €3m to carry out the essential works to address these issues. However these works would not ensure compliance with National Quality Standards. The HSE decided to close the home and transfer the majority of services to the new modern purpose built unit at Hollybrook Community Nursing Unit at Inchicore. The new CNU at Inchicore has a total capacity of 50 beds. It has not been opened to date due to the current constraints on staffing.

As capacity of the new CNU is less than that at the home referred to by the Deputies the proposal also envisages that some staff and residents will transfer to other public units. This will provide the HSE with an opportunity to reopen beds that are closed at these facilities.

I would like to reassure the Deputies that the residents will remain our primary concern. I am satisfied that the HSE is acting to provide the most appropriate care possible for them and the Executive will continue to work closely with them and their families to assist them through this difficult time. Selection of alternative placements will be informed by the medical and care needs of each resident as evaluated by clinical staff. It is important to emphasise that no resident will be placed in a more costly financial position because of the move.

The day-care services at the home are used by approximately 18 people daily from Monday to Friday. Part of the relocation plan will include the placement of these clients in alternative day centres suitable for their needs in their local areas.

Ongoing consultation will continue to take place with residents, their families, staff, representative organisations and public representatives. I understand that the indicative timescale for the transfer is between 3 and 6 months.