Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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512. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in relation to progress on a community nursing unit to replace St. Patrick's Hospital in Waterford city; if planning has been submitted; if so, when a decision is due; if the tendering process has begun; when same is expected to conclude; if he will provide a time frame for the building of this much needed and long promised facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15600/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE has identified the St Patrick's Hospital in Waterford City as a priority location for a new Community Nursing Home unit. The design team has been appointed.

In advance of the award of planning permission it is not possible, at this point in time to be definitive about a time frame for completion once work begins, other than to say that it is possible that the construction of a CNU could be completed within twelve months of appointing a contractor. All Government Departments and agencies, including the HSE, that are funded from the Exchequer must comply with EU Directives and national guidelines on procurement and in this regard the HSE's selection of the necessary works and services will be in accordance with this process.

The following parts of your question have been referred to the HSE for direct reply:

- Date for submission of planning application;

- Estimated date for a decision on the award of planning permission, in the event it is not appealed; and

- Estimated date for beginning the tendering process and its projected conclusion.

If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office who will follow up.

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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513. To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that St. Patrick's unit in Waterford city will meet the Health Information and Quality Authority environmental standards for re-registration of public residential care services in July 2015; the measures that are being taken to ensure that St. Patrick's unit will comply with these guidelines in view of the fact that at this stage the proposed community nursing unit is only at the planning stage. [15601/15]

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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514. To ask the Minister for Health regarding St. Patrick's unit in Waterford city, if he will provide, in detail, the contingency plans that are in place should the current unit fail to meet the new Health Information and Quality Authority environmental standards; if he will provide a projection as to the number of patients and clients who could be affected; the arrangements that are being made with regard to alternative accommodation and beds, should this be required; if he will provide figures of the alternative venues that are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15602/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 514 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.