Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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642. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which he and his Department continues to monitor developments at St Bridget’s Nursing Home, Crooksling; if any changes have taken place in policy or administration which might affect the future of the hospital, its capacity to accommodate the needs of the indigenous community and the scale of services provided there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30836/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Both myself and my colleague, Dr James Reilly, Minister for Health, are committed to the provision of a quality public nursing home service. Our overall objective is to protect the viability of as many units as possible, within the funding and staffing resources available. My Department is working closely with the HSE to develop an overall plan regarding future public provision for the Minister’s consideration. The plan will reflect regional need and have regard to the current severe financial constraints, restrictions on public sector staffing and recruitment and the ongoing need to meet service and safety standards; all of which pose challenges for community nursing units across the country. The question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply in relation to the specific operational matters raised by the Deputy.