I was delighted to hear in the Taoiseach's maiden speech that he would "ensure a step change in how we care for our elderly". As the Taoiseach is aware, this is completely at odds with the decision of the HSE to annex the new 50-bed nursing home unit in Nenagh which was built because the St. Conlon's community nursing unit was effectively condemned by HIQA and has to be closed. I am aware of all the issues at University Hospital Limerick. I have probably raised that issue more than any other issue in my career in here but two wrongs do not make a right. On my last count more than 40 people, some of whom are stuck in acute beds, cannot get nursing home care because private nursing homes will not take them. This new unit was built to be a nursing home. It should be opened as a nursing home. The people of Nenagh and its surrounds are going out on the streets on 11 May to protest at this. The unions are completely opposed to the privatisation of this. This is completely and utterly wrong. I ask the Taoiseach to please honour what he said in his maiden speech and ensure step change for the elderly and for the people around north Tipperary as well.

I thank Deputy Kelly for raising this issue. I do want to see a step change in how we care for older people. The Commission on Care for Older People the Government has set up is a really important step in that. I thank the Deputy for raising this specific issue regarding Nenagh and the point he makes about the unintended consequences if older people are not able to access a community facility - where else do they end up? - and the impact this can have on the health service. There is a logic in the point the Deputy made. I certainly hope that between now and 11 May there can be proper and decent engagement on this so the people of Nenagh feel heard and that their concerns can be addressed. I will certainly ask the Minister for Health and the HSE to engage directly with the Deputy and other north Tipperary representatives.