Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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227. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE can continue to operate a nursing home (details supplied) on an interim basis in order to allow a timeframe for prospective purchasers/investors to put plans in place to buy the home and secure it for residents. [39266/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the developing situation concerning nursing homes formerly operated by Aperee Ltd. Aperee Camp/Ocean View is the sixth nursing home from the Aperee group which has been de-registered by HIQA due to non-compliance with regulations. The Chief Inspector has identified significant levels of non-compliance including management of the centre, protection of resident’s finances and fire safety.

In line with the provisions of Section 64 of the Health Act 2007, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has taken temporary responsibility for continuing services at the nursing home from 11 September 2024.

I met with senior HSE leadership from the South West Health Region, including the Regional Executive Officer on September 20, to discuss the situation at Ocean View. Ensuring the welfare and safety of residents, their families and staff was the key focus of our discussions.

The HSE is seeking to provide safe care to residents, families and staff against a background of serious concerns about fire safety at the home. The HSE have duties as provider of last resort under Section 64 the Health Act 2007.

The HSE team on site is committed to continue working closely with each resident individually, where appropriate supported by family members, to discuss their options in line with their wishes or ascertainable will and preference.

Representatives of SAGE advocacy are available to provide independent support and guidance.

The HSE does not own Ocean View and is currently supporting its operation on a specific and limited basis. If there are private investors interested in the nursing home, every effort will be made to facilitate any potential interest. The HSE has advised Ocean View nursing home staff that should they be interested in employment with the HSE, they would welcome their applications for employment across various public units in the region.

The HSE continues to ensure that staff will be paid in the interim.

Any engagement re. a potential takeover or purchase can only be facilitated via the Head of Older Persons Services, CHO4, and the owners/receivers of Aperee Camp/Ocean View.

Under the Health Act, the day-to-day operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE, and you will understand that as Minister I cannot become involved in the situation at Aperee. This is an evolving situation, and the Department of Health and HSE are keeping me updated.

Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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228. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE will undertake necessary actions to ensure fire safety for residents in a nursing home (details supplied) in the interim period, to ensure residents’ safety. [39267/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.