Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if it his policy to cut the number of public nursing home beds in County Louth; if this drop in public nursing home beds will be covered by increased homecare packages or home help hours; the steps he is putting in place to cater for the projected increases in the elderly population in the years ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1043/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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At the request of Dr James Reilly, T.D., Minister for Health, the HSE has reviewed the status of its long stay nursing homes, focusing on areas such as ability to meet HIQA standards, environmental issues including age & structure, and location. This review will inform the formulation by the HSE, in collaboration with my Department, of a comprehensive proposal on this issue for the Minister’s consideration.

This Government is committed to enhancing the quality of life of older people, maintaining their full potential, supporting them in their homes and communities, providing access to respite care and day care and, when required, providing access to appropriate quality long-term residential care. Both myself and my colleague, the Minister, are committed to the provision of a public nursing home service.