Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 572: To ask the Minister for Health when a nursing home (details supplied) is due to close; the number of patients that are to be transferred to other facilities; the location to which they are to be transferred; the number of these patients originally from the local communities of Inchicore, Kilmainham, Drimnagh and Bluebell in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31195/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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 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 Deputy 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 Deputy that the the residents will remain our primary concern. 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. I understand that the indicative timescale for the transfer is between 3 and 6 months. The Deputy will be aware that the Health Service Executive has sole operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at this facility, accordingly, the matter has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to dental procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31209/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 536.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 575: To ask the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive rapid response vehicle will be operational again in the north east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31219/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.