Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for granting me the opportunity to speak on this Adjournment debate. The announcement of the closure of respite beds in Cherry Orchard Hospital caused consternation and huge distress to patients, who felt there was no available alternative, and to their families.

I welcome the news I received today from the HSE that respite beds are being provided. However, these beds are being provided in a private facility. In its statement, the HSE indicates that this is more cost effective, but I question that. How can it be more cost effective to have such a facility in a private rather than a public unit. The HSE refers to the maintenance of staff and paying staff overtime over the summer.

My real concerns are that this may be the tip of the iceberg and what will happen in the autumn. We have been told that these places will be brought back to Cherry Orchard in October, and I hope that is the case. The HSE also states the alternative provision is in the locality. It is not clear what locality means. No further information has been given on this point. I sincerely hope the alternative will be easily accessible. The people concerned are likely to be elderly and have elderly relatives. It is important to them that their families are able to visit them. Many of them do not have cars and are dependent on public transport. If the alternative service is not in an area where there is good public transport and within a reasonable distance it will be extremely difficult for them. This aspect must be considered. By providing these beds in a private unit, are we chipping away at the system? What will happen in the autumn? Have we a guarantee that the places will be restored in the autumn?

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