Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

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.

See this speech in context