Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1246. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to provide a level three hospice unit in the midlands region as outlined in his Department's Statement of Strategy 2016-2019 document; and the timescale for the implementation of this unit. [1422/17]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1318. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the development of the promised hospice unit in the midlands stated in his Department's recent statement of strategy; the proposed timeline for the development of the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1753/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1246 and 1318 together.

In our Programme for a Partnership Government, the Government has committed to bring into operation further hospices, the construction of which local communities have funded. We will encourage the development of a hospice in the Midlands and North-East, and home care in regions where there are no hospices. This commitment is in line with Government policy on palliative care as set out in the 2001 Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care.

As the development of individual hospices is a matter for the HSE in the first instance, in co-operation with the local hospice groups, I have referred the matter to the HSE for investigation and direct reply to the Deputies.