Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. O'Connell for being here today and outlining the rationale behind the decision. The committee has discussed Owenacurra a lot. Throughout I have been reminded of a healthcare facility in my constituency. It gave incredible care, had amazing staff and undying community support but it simply did not have a building fit for purpose. It failed HIQA assessment after assessment as a result and ultimately it closed and residents were relocated. I share that to demonstrate I fully understand how emotive an issue this is. In some ways, the situation in Owenacurra is similar. It is the building that is not fit for purpose. The committee has heard testimony about the incredible care, amazing staff and community support. Deputies in the local area have spoken about how ingrained the facility is as part of the local community, how it is so central to other facilities and amenities nearby and how that it makes it a really valuable space.

We have policies and regulations in place to govern facilities such as this. Residents and their protection are at the heart of those policies and regulations. I am minded to ask if this opens questions for a wider discussion about the practical repercussions of policies on congregated settings. Peamount Healthcare in my constituency, for example, includes purpose-built cottages in which people with intellectual disabilities live together. That model which works so well in practice is out of date in the context of the policy to decongregate settings. The fire safety works are absolutely necessary and must happen. The structural defects need to be addressed and the ceilings need to be replaced. I would welcome any estimates that Mr. Fitzgerald has for the cost of that level of repair. If those things were addressed, are congregated settings the next hurdle? Is that where the main challenge will arise? If those things were invested in, will it be the case that the facility still will not meet the criteria?

Everybody values the incredible care that has been provided at this facility. We have heard from many people with family members who have benefited from that care. That is where this resistance is coming from. It is a good thing in that people are fighting for an amenity in their area. We need to ensure the service is provided in an appropriate setting and in as best a way as possible, with the patient at the heart of it. It would be helpful if Mr. Fitzgerald could give me an estimate for that remedial work. Perhaps he or Mr. O'Connell could provide some input on congregated settings and whether that policy is having an impact.