Crowe challenges Taoiseach’s contradictions on nursing home facilities

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has branded the Government’s approach to the provision of community nursing home facilities as duplicitous and contradictory in light of comments made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Deputy Crowe made the claim after Enda Kenny responded to Leader’s Questions from Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams regarding the launch of the HSE Dublin North East Service Plan.

Deputy Crowe said:

“In response to questions from my colleague, Gerry Adams, regarding the devastating impact of cuts prescribed in the HSE Service Plan for care of the elderly, the Taoiseach suggested that buildings of a certain age would be inappropriate for housing nursing home facilities. The Taoiseach asked the question, ‘In 2012, is it right to continue to provide services in a listed building that is 150 years old and beyond the planning conditions for development in many cases?’

“This throw-away comment completely flies in the face of the Taoiseach’s own approach, as head of Government, in my own constituency. There we have seen, in the case of St. Brigid’s Hospital in Crooksling, the exact opposite proposed, with staff and elderly residents destined for an antiquated two-storey, listed building in Inchicore.

“The Taoiseach cannot have it both ways. The contradictions are obvious. This whole sorry saga seems to be a clear case of the Taoiseach, the Minister, the Government and the HSE being content to force through the closure of vital community nursing home facilities in spite of, not only the wishes of the residents and local community, but of all evidence. This is completely unacceptable.”