Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 597: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to work being done by the previous Government and the Opposition spokespersons on health to amend the Nursing Homes Bill to accommodate the Health Information and Quality Authority demands on community care homes; if his further attention has been drawn to the way these demands are affecting the continuation of a number of community care homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35596/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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, including welfare homes.

As part of the review process submissions were invited and received from interested parties, including the support 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.