219 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will directly intervene and reverse the decision to close a nursing home (details supplied) in the interest of health and safety of senior citizens, in view of the fact that the Health Information and Quality Authority did not recommend closure, that there are still residents wishing to remain to live in the facility and widespread support within the community for its current use and retention for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47918/10]

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has sole operational responsibility for the delivery of health and social services, including those at facilities such as Loughloe House in Athlone. Accordingly, I have referred this matter to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

220 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is in negotiations with private interests or is considering disposal of the site for the proposed primary care unit at Clonbrusk in Athlone and outline future provision of same [47919/10]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

221 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an organisation (details supplied) has failed to secure additional funding from the Health Service Executive to run its vital services in 2011; if her attention has been drawn to the implications this will have for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47928/10]

222 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive has not taken over or funded the support of 24 children over the age of four years, even though it assumed responsibility for their care in June 2010; if her attention has been drawn to the financial implications this is having on an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47930/10]

I propose to take Question Nos. 221 and 222 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is working jointly with the Jack and Jill Foundation to identify and prioritise the needs of the children on a case-by-case basis. If a child needs hospital care, the HSE will provide this. However, the HSE is prepared to work closely with Jack & Jill to ensure that no child is hospitalised for want of adequate home support, provided by Jack and Jill or the HSE. The Health Service Executive will continue to fund Jack & Jill in 2011 on the same basis as in 2010, subject to any overall resources limitations that may arise for all providers in the disability sector generally, but it is not in a position to provide additional funding for the Foundation to compensate for the drop in its private fund-raising.