"Government Has A Duty To Look After Vulnerable in Nursing Homes"

"Government Has A Duty To Look After Vulnerable in Nursing Homes" - Whelan

The Aontú representative for the Laytown-Bettystown electoral area, Peter Whelan, has raised concerns for the future of the elderly in nursing homes.

Speaking today, Peter Whelan said "It has come as a drastic blow to the rural community of Dowth and the surrounding areas to hear of the closure of Boyne valley nursing home. This home was caring for 18 residents, all originally from the area. The nursing home staff was made up of local people who knew the residents personally. The home has provided a personal and professional service to our community for 25 years.”

Whelan continued “This closure comes as small nursing home operators are facing major challenges to survive , including rising costs , increased regulations and insufficient state subsidies . From 2018 to the end of last year 29 nursing homes with less than 40 beds closed. Between 400 and 500 nursing home beds have been lost with closures in recent years. Nursing Home Ireland, who represents almost 500 private nursing homes, have asked the government to help the care homes with soaring running costs by increasing the subsidies paid under the fair deal scheme. There are serious concerns that there could be further closures without intervention and supports.”

“There have been 12 nursing homes closed in recent weeks. My big concern is that nursing homes are being pushed to become an industry where only massive homes, run by faceless investors, will be the only viable model for nursing homes in the future. I'm calling on the Government to take immediate action to help these smaller private nursing homes survive before it's too late . This government has a duty to look after its vulnerable citizens .” Concluded Whelan

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.