Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the fact the Taoiseach has invited a submission on the specific case to which I refer. I take this opportunity not only to appeal in regard to the Cootehill case but all cases, because, while capital provision has been provided, running costs must also be provided. In the case of the centre at Cootehill, which has a staff allocation of 5.8 by HSE assessment, estimated running costs are of the order of €273,000 in a single year in regard to the provision of staff and all other necessary resources.

Is the Taoiseach aware the HSE primary, community and continuing care services section stated that because the Government has ostensibly prioritised the ten-point plan regarding accident and emergency services and the allocation of further investment in the disability services in the current year, it is not in a position to provide for the up and running status of centres such as the Cootehill centre? Does he accept that today, on the first day of the sixth month of the year, it is hard to see how such commitments, important priorities though they are, could have left parked the important resourcing and staffing of these centres?

The commitment of whole communities, which have laboured to put the bricks and mortar in place over many years, to continue to give voluntary service to these centres needs to be met by the Government. It is incumbent on Government to respond positively and immediately. If we continue to put this off, year in and year out — there has been a three year delay in regard to the example I gave — how many of those senior citizens, who have laboured, campaigned, lobbied and raised funds through the years, will never see up and running the fruits of their labour, and will never get the chance to enjoy a day care centre in their community? We need to act now. That is my appeal.

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