Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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852. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Keltoi Rehabilitation Centre in St Marys Hospital, Phoenix Park was closed and remains closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51137/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Keltoi facility was identified for use as an isolation facility for marginalised and vulnerable people during COVID-19 in Community Health Organisation 9.  

There is are significant numbers of homeless and addiction service users in this area,  particularly in Dublin North City and County. The area also has a high migrant health population living in overcrowded accommodation and quarantine accommodation.

It is important to state that all these cohorts have specific challenges and that they need individualised supports to be put in place if they are Covid positive, as they cannot isolate in their existing accommodation on public health grounds.

The HSE has advised that there is still a very significant ongoing demand for isolation in this facility and that it will be maintained as a Covid Isolation Facility for the coming winter period.

The HSE has assured me that the use of this facility as a Covid-19 response is being reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with national guidance.

I am happy to confirm that the HSE remain committed to enhancing the residential addiction services in CHO 9, including the reopening of the Keltoi facility once it is no longer required as part of the Covid-19 response. In the meantime, Keltoi counselling staff based in the HSE Stanhope Centre, are continuing to provide appropriate support services to clients under the Keltoi Aftercare programme.