Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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966. To ask the Minister for Health when named day centres (details supplied) will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54410/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Day-care centres are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population.  They play a key role in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities. Their re-opening has been a priority for me since their necessary closure in 2020.  This process began in the second half of 2021 and continues into 2022. At the end of October approximately 304 centres had reopened. This represents about 91% of Day Care Services for Older People.  In Budget 2023 I secured an additional €4.1 million to ensure the continuation of older persons and dementia day services to a high standard.

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.