Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 559 and 560 of 15 June 2011, if he will provide an update of the review of the care and welfare regulations in designated centres with a particular focus on supported care homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31670/11]

Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Health if he will quantify the number of care homes that are not nursing homes that have requested a review of the care and welfare regulations in designated care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31671/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

My Department has initiated a review of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009, as amended. These Regulations set out detailed requirements regarding, among other things, staffing and environmental conditions for all designated centres.

The Carlow/Kilkenny area currently has 7 supported care homes located within its remit – five based in Kilkenny and two based in Carlow. In Waterford there are 2 similarly run facilities. The total capacity for all 9 units is approximately 200 beds. All 9 are providing residential services for older adults. Each group receives financial support from the Health Service Executive under Section 39 of the Health Act and income is also generated from resident fees and fundraising.

part of the review process submissions were invited and received from interested parties, including the care homes referred to by the Deputy. The Department also met with a representative from the care homes. Due consideration is being given to the issues raised including the nature and status of the care homes.

It is expected that the review will be completed shortly and that amending regulations will introduced in 2012.