Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Camphill representatives here this morning, thank them and acknowledge the excellent work it does in the 17 centres around the country for 275 residents. I know it does absolutely excellent work in the two centres in south Tipperary, in Carrick-on-Suir and Grangemockler, and I have family connections with some individuals who have availed of Camphill services over the years and found them to be very impressive.

I agree that we should write immediately to the HSE and the Minister, but we should go further and advise both that this issue will be on the agenda of this committee for our next meeting with the Minister and the HSE, which will be reasonably shortly. This is an urgent issue and I am disappointed that nothing has happened. As Mr. Lynch has said, this has been going on since 2004. Last year, following the presentation given by the witnesses in the AV room, which I and most members here would have attended, we made representations to the Minister and the HSE. I hoped there would have been movement on proper funding for Camphill as a result, but disappointment has been felt - both by the representatives of Camphill and by the committee members - that this has not come about. It is difficult to understand the reason. As Mr. Lynch has indicated, Camphill is providing services at approximately 50% the rate of other providers; it is at a discount to the State. If the Camphill centres were to close, the additional cost falling on the HSE and therefore on the State would be significant. That cannot be allowed to happen and I know members will do their utmost to ensure nothing like that happens and that instead there can be real engagement between the HSE, Camphill and the Department, if necessary, to ensure reasonable funding levels are made available.

There are key questions arising from HIQA reports, including the upgrading and maintenance of buildings, the question of new vehicles and funding for the workforce. We have heard about the co-worker element, which is an integral part of the Camphill process. There are probably not as many co-workers or volunteers nowadays as there have been in the past, but we cannot have a position in which the sword of Damocles is hovering over Camphill.

I have a general question for Mr. Lynch. I cannot think why the Camphill communities would be treated in this fashion, but is there any indication of the thinking behind the lack of funding for and engagement with Camphill by the HSE? I support the case made by Camphill and the Chairman for taking up the matter with the HSE and the Minister. I hope we can do this in time for our next meeting with them.