Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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32. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the re-opening of the three-day care centres in County Laois; and the timelines for Mountmellick and Abbeyleix day care centre re-openings. [26713/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The reopening of day care centres remains a priority for me. At the end of April 264 centres had reopened, representing about 80% of centres planned to reopen with more coming on stream.

Upgrade works at Portlaoise Day Care Centre are nearing completion and it is planned that this will re-open on 27^thJune.

Renovation works at Mountmellick are nearing completion and a projected opening date is 11 July.

When the current reconfiguration works are completed at Abbeyleix the HSE proposes to re-open the day care centre in part of the building as an interim measure. However, the HSE are working to source suitable accommodation in Abbeyleix to provide the day service in the long term, in conjunction with a revised Development Control Plan for the site.

The HSE is committed to getting all 3 facilities open as soon as possible. Respite services in Laois is available to the day service users in Abbeyleix, Shaen Community Nursing Units and Private nursing homes. Meals on Wheels are provided through four funded agencies and by Mountmellick and Abbeyleix CNU’s.

Communication with service users is underway and Public Health Nursing has also been advised of the re-opening of services and to forward referrals.

I have requested a progress report from the HSE in relation to those centres that have yet to reopen.