I want to raise the issue of St. Brigid's community hospital in Carrick-on-Suir. An announcement was made this morning about the future of the hospital. What part will the hospital play in the HSE's future plans for Carrick-on-Suir? How much money will be invested in it? What plans does the HSE have to provide respite and palliative care beds in the Carrick-on-Suir area?

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Back in March, admissions to St. Brigid's hospital were suspended and it was designated as a Covid-19 step-down facility. It is proposed to utilise the existing premises as a base for a newly created community healthcare network in south Tipperary, along with it serving as a base for members of a chronic disease management team with a focus on diabetes. St. Brigid's is ideally located as it is adjacent to a primary care centre. As such, the co-location of these buildings would facilitate integrated and multidisciplinary working. Repurposing the use of St. Brigid's will provide us with the opportunity to develop the community healthcare network in south Tipperary, along with the chronic disease diabetes management team. Following some minor works, seven whole-time equivalent staff members will initially be based at St. Brigid's, including a community healthcare network manager, an assistant director of public health nursing, a clinical nurse specialist-----

I thank the Taoiseach.

-----a senior dietician, a staff dietician, administrative staff and a podiatrist. These individuals will provide enhanced services at St. Brigid's. This is a unique opportunity to change our approach to the prevention and management of chronic disease in the south east. I am happy to work with the Deputy if he has further ideas for the utilisation of the building.