Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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244. To ask the Minister for Health the number of nursing homes and beds in Dublin which are currently lying idle. [3514/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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All designated centres for older people (nursing homes) whether public, private or voluntary are required to be registered and inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). HIQA's Chief Inspector of Social Services must establish and maintain a register of designated centres. Details entered into the register include the name and address of the centre, date of registration and the number of people that can be accommodated. This information is available on a county basis and can be accessed at the Authority’s website .

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, a person may select a nursing home of their choice which qualifies for the Scheme. The Department of Health does not keep a record of vacant beds in nursing homes. However, the number of vacant beds in public nursing homes is a service matter for the Health Service Executive and has 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.