I thank Deputy Kelly for raising this important matter. By way of overview, long-term residential care is a crucial part of the overall continuum of care throughout the country. Our HSE community nursing units and community hospitals play a vital role in the provision of long-term care and other services. I am also very conscious of the importance of strengthening the capacity and resilience of our health system through the delivery of health and social care infrastructure. This Government is committed to continued…

The intention is this summer and that continues to be the case.

I thank Deputy Kelly for raising that matter. He might provide me with the correspondence he has received.

I will repeat particular clarifications on a number of points. First, the decision to utilise the Nenagh community nursing home building on an interim basis as a step-down sub-acute and rehabilitative facility was taken to alleviate the significant pressures at UHL. It is about the pressures and that is a fact. I also reiterate the HSE is working towards a HSE-led model of delivery at Nenagh community nursing unit with long-term residential care services, commencing in quarter 3 this year, for the current St. Conlo…

On behalf of Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, I thank Deputy Kerrane for the opportunity to update the House on the delivery of pre-hospital emergency care in County Roscommon and the important emergency response role delivered by our National Ambulance Service. The National Ambulance Service serves the county of Roscommon out of three bases located in Roscommon, Boyle and Loughglinn, which all operate on a 24-7 basis. All three bases are staffed by a highly skilled workforce of pre-hospital emergency care practi…

I note the points the Deputy raised in respect of Roscommon and the roster. There are currently two vacancies. I understand an offer has been made for one of the posts through the National Ambulance Service national transfer process and options for the filling of the second post are being examined. I have asked my Department to follow up on that issue with the NAS and to look at the particular issue of rostering for daytime services on a Thursday. I understand the needs of the people of Roscommon. The Deputy raised…

I thank the Acting Chairperson. As a former Member of the Seanad, I have great respect for the House. There were 23 contributors to this debate, which is quite extraordinary. It shows how significant the issue is that we are discussing. I propose to give a general response before coming back to some of the specific issues raised that were not covered in my response. I see this as very much an interactive engagement. Several Senators suggested they would like to revisit certain issues in six months. I have no issue …

May I thank my officials as well?

Hear, hear.

As the Deputy said, there is a new and enhanced adaptation grant scheme, which brings in a lot of new innovations, including deductions from nursing homes fees and carers' fees.

The particular point he raised is something we are looking at. We will come back to him on it. This is an issue that is arising. We are looking at that aspect of the scheme.

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Finance. As Deputy Byrne will be aware, the programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, includes a commitment to "Consider measures, in conjunction with the Department of Finance, to encourage gym membership and active participation in sport and exercise". The programme for Government also acknowledges that "sport holds a special place in Irish life and society ... promoting health and well-being, encouraging community…

I thank the Deputy. I have listened to the points he has raised, which are very comprehensive in nature. We all agree on the importance of encouraging greater participation in sport and fitness activities and continuing to support to those already participating in sport across all age groups. This acknowledgement is underpinned through the programme for Government commitment, as the Deputy stated. This includes supporting our sporting ecosystem so more people can participate, reap the benefits of sport and fill the…

I thank Deputy Daly for giving me the opportunity to update the house on behalf of the Minister for Health on the developments at Roscommon University Hospital. To ensure delivery of the right care in the right place at the right time, there are robust systems and procedures to appraise, manage and deliver infrastructure projects required for the provision of health services. Projects are appraised by the national capital and property steering committee of the HSE. This is to ensure compliance with service prioriti…

Once again, I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is very important to the people of Roscommon. Roscommon University Hospital is a model 2 hospital in the HSE west and north-west region which provides vital services to the local population. There are robust systems and procedures to appraise management of and deliver health infrastructure projects to ensure delivery of the right care in the right place at the right time. As I have stated, a review of the spatial plan at Roscommon hospital has been conclu…

I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this important matter. She will appreciate that the new programme for Government has highlighted the importance of community services for older people to assist them to remain independent and live in their homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible. Many older people living at home rely on services that they receive through day centres and the outreach these centres provide, which often includes meals on wheels. As the Senator referenced, Allenwood daycare cen…

I once again thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this issue. As I said, the service in Allenwood has been very important to communities. It is essential that people who are affected by the closure are accommodated quickly. It is important that there is good communication between the HSE and the service provider and the people who have been affected and their families. As Minister of State with responsibility for older people, I am conscious of the significant contribution made by day centres like Allenwood across …

I am pleased to take part in this debate on the future of healthcare for longer and healthier lives. I will touch on two topics, one of which, the statutory home care scheme, came up in the debate. I will give Members an update on that and then I want to speak about right-sizing, which falls under my brief as positive ageing, and housing options for people to age positively. The programme for Government has committed to designing a statutory home care scheme to allow people stay in their own homes for as long as po…

I thank Senator Crowe for raising this matter today. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Practice education placements for radiation therapy students are essential to support clinical skills development in the application of theory to patient care and attainment of regulatory standards of proficiency. Practice education offers opportunities for students to translate theoretical learning into practical experience, work in different setting…

I am okay; I have a pair.