We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Nenagh nursing home takeover

Summary

Deputy Alan Kelly objected to the HSE’s plan for the new Nenagh nursing home and cited the impact on families and residents. The Taoiseach said local engagement is needed and confirmed that discussions should happen before Saturday’s protest.

The streets of my home town Nenagh will be packed on Saturday with people protesting against the Government and the HSE and the scandalous decision to take over our new nursing home, which the Government of which I and the Taoiseach were a part actually funded. On 24 April 2024, I raised this issue with the Taoiseach in this Chamber. I asked him where the loved ones of the 50 families were meant to go. Are they going to just die at home or will they be left in hospitals? Where are they going to go because two wrongs do not make a right? The Taoiseach said I made a logical point. He said that, as a result, the HSE would engage directly with me. The HSE also said that it has engaged directly with staff and residents' families. None of those three things has happened - nada, zilch, none. I can verify that. In fact, statements from the unions have verified that too. Considering none of that has happened and a protest will be held this Saturday, what is the Government and the HSE going to do to ensure this nursing home, which is deserved by the people of that area, who paid their taxes and worked hard, is given to them?

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I certainly know the importance of the nursing home. As Deputy Kelly said, I was involved in it in a previous role in a Government of which Deputy Kelly was a member. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, also knows the importance of it because we want to provide more nursing home facilities across the country. There is the issue of UHL, which, again, Deputy Kelly knows very well and feels very strongly about. I did say exactly what the Deputy said - that sounds like the transcript - that I believed there should be engagement at local level between the HSE and families, staff, residents and local representatives. I am sorry to hear that this has not happened and I will follow that up with the HSE.

Comment on this

Before Saturday?

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Before Saturday.

Comment on this