There is currently a detailed and constructive submission with the Department seeking funding under the national development plan, NDP, to ensure the future of residential care at Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit, Roscrea. Doubts continue to loom over this valued and cherished facility. I appreciate that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have acknowledged the need of Roscrea and that it deserves a residential elderly care unit. Its future is dependent on the successful outcome to the community submission under the NDP. That will determine if those in need of elderly care will be able to access a facility in their own town with daily visits from family and friends. Exclusion from the plan will force elderly care out of Roscrea to Nenagh, with all the disruption and inconvenience that entails. What is the status and the timeline for the NDP review? Can the Taoiseach ensure Roscrea will be included in the plan? Is it the case that each Department receives an allocation under the plan and is subsequently responsible for the determination of which projects will be selected for funding?

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important and pertinent issue. He, along with other Deputies from County Tipperary, has been consistent on its importance. Obviously, high-quality public investment is key to enhancing health services and the broader economic recovery in locations across the country. Basically, the NDP review is continuing. I know the Roscrea Community Development Council has made a submission to the public consultation on the review of the NDP. Copies were sent to a number of Government Departments so Ministers are aware of this project. The submission proposes capital investment be made to build a new Dean Maxwell care home and community hub, and there are a number of Oireachtas Members from County Tipperary who support this proposal. I understand the eagerness and advocacy from the Deputy and from all the local representatives who want progress on this new facility. Yes, the allocation will go to Government Departments and agencies. Suffice it to say those agencies and Departments are well aware of the interest in this facility.