Between 1998 and 2000, inclusive, over 400 additional beds for older people have been provided in ten new community nursing units and over 1,000 day places per week have been provided in ten new day care centres out of additional funding provided by the Government.
In addition, under the National Development Plan, 2001 to 2006, a further £188 million of capital funding has been allocated to the health boards and the Eastern Regional Health Authority for the provision of additional new facilities for older people. Approximately 1,200 public long-stay beds will be provided in that period, as well as day care centres and units for dementia sufferers. Some 2,000 day care places per week will be provided.
It is also anticipated that the number of private nursing home places will increase over the coming years, and these will benefit older people who will be entitled to nursing home subvention.
I am aware that an increase in the population of dependent older people will continue to make additional demands on the services, but I am confident that the necessary further service development will be put in place to meet these demands.