John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health If he will discuss with the board of Tallaght Hospital, Dublin the implications for the hospital of the recent announcement of the Health Service Executive to close a nursing home (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33805/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I would like to reassure the Deputy that patients in Tallaght Hospital (or any other Acute Hospital) who require long term residential care can continue to apply for financial support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Once a person receives approval for financial support they can choose to enter any nursing home that is participating in the scheme in any part of the country, subject to the nursing home having an available bed and being able to cater for the person's particular needs. This applies to public, private and voluntary nursing homes alike.

Patients at Tallaght Hospital requiring residential care will be able to avail of beds at the new purpose built Community Nursing Unit in Inchicore if and when they become available. They will also be able to avail of options from public beds that are reopened in other facilities or they may choose a bed in a private nursing home. If the Board of Tallaght Hospital wish to discuss this issue with Minister Reilly a representative should contact his Office directly and officials will be able to assist with such a request. In addition requests to meet my colleague can be made electronically to ministersoffice@health.gov.ie.