Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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106. To ask the Minister for Health the action being taken to ensure the opening of all residential beds for older people in community units in Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64093/25]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As of 17th November, there are 209 long-stay and 74 short-stay beds open across the six public Community Hospitals and Community Nursing Units in Co. Kerry. There are currently 15 registered beds temporarily closed across three units.

HSE South West has been working to increase the quantity of public nursing home beds in Kerry to offer further long-term residential care capacity and choice for older people in the region.

There are unfortunately challenges in recruiting staff to some more rural locations and staff shortages can impact bed capacity at times. The number of beds open at any time is dependent on safe staffing levels and this is monitored on an on-going basis in line with recruitment of staff. To ensure the safety of both residents and staff, bed capacity is configured around adequate staffing levels and an appropriate staff skill-mix has to be in place.

HSE South West is committed to filling all vacant posts across Community Hospitals and CNUs and will continue to explore all available options to fill these posts, including running bespoke recruitment campaigns.