I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 to 608, inclusive, together.
The Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units provides the framework to allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish, as appropriate. The programme includes a number of facilities in Donegal. Significant work was undertaken to determine the most optimum scheduling of projects within the phased provision of funding to achieve compliance and registration with the Health Information and Quality Authority. Furthermore, the National Development Plan, published earlier this year as part of the Ireland 2040 policy initiative, acknowledges the need for additional capacity requirements and it is expected that 4,500 additional short-term and long-term beds will be required across the public system in Community Nursing Units and other step-down facilities, as identified by the Health Capacity Review.
Under the NDP, health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue - including the Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units. These major priority projects and programmes will require the bulk of the notified capital allocation over the initial period of the Plan, 2018-2022. It is important to recognise that the NDP is a long-term plan, which will roll out over ten years and includes provision for a large number of developments across the country.
The Minister for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly TD is aware of local concerns that have been raised relating to the future of long-stay residential care provision in the East Donegal area. There is a process in place for the agreement and prioritisation of capital projects. Since his visit to Donegal earlier this year officials from the Department have engaged with the HSE to ensure that investment in facilities in the area will meet the needs of the community. The Minister is pleased to note that additional dementia beds are now available within St Joseph's Hospital.
