Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1569.To ask the Minister for Health if the concerns of a group (details supplied) can be addressed with respect to the provision of palliative care in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33789/24]

Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1660.To ask the Minister for Health the efforts being made by the Department of Health and the HSE to provide a level 3 hospice for Laois, Offaly and Westmeath, in view of there being no hospice for these counties.[34153/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1569 and 1660 together.

The development of a new specialist palliative care inpatient unit at Tullamore is a named priority area for action in the HSE National Service Plan (NSP) 2024, HSE Capital Plan 2024 and Three-Year Palliative Care Services Development Framework (2017 – 2019). It is also a commitment in the Programme for Government.

As Minister, I am fully committed to the building of a new Midlands Hospice. In September 2022, the Government announced €20 million in capital funding for the development of a 20-bed specialist palliative care inpatient unit in the Midlands. The development will provide a hub for the provision of specialist palliative care services across the Midlands, including day care, outpatient, inpatient and community services. In 2024, the palliative care budget increased to a total allocation of €155.5m.

It is anticipated that a decision on the chosen site for the new Midlands Hospice will be announced shortly. The selected site will provide the best palliative care to the people of the Midlands. The Department of Health will continue to progress developments for palliative care services in Ireland, working towards the highest possible quality of end-of-life care and support for people with life limiting illnesses across the country.