Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

I would like to draw the attention of the Minister to the distressing situation facing 214 families in the north west. They are in shock this morning having heard the announcement that the Daughters of Wisdom intend to withdraw from the services they provide at Cregg House in Sligo. This religious order has provided services to people with intellectual disabilities for almost 60 years. The Daughters of Wisdom believe that the shortfall of €1.3 million in the funding provided by the HSE makes it impossible for them to continue to provide the services they have provided so well up to now. The staff at the Cregg House centre were informed of this decision late yesterday afternoon after it had been confirmed that talks with the HSE had broken down. I believe the families are being informed today. The manner in which the 214 families and the users of the centre are being treated is a scandal and a reflection of the current state of our health services. It shows the lack of progress that has been made by the Government since it took office. Why has a conscious decision been made to reduce the funding provided to the Daughters of Wisdom, who have done this job so well for the past 60 years?

Some 2,000 people took part in a march in Sligo last month and called for these services to be protected. The Minister of State, Deputy Perry, and Senator O'Keeffe praised the magnificent services that are provided at Cregg House and gave assurances that they would not be cut or withdrawn. We all know there is a need for efficiencies and cost savings in the current environment, but those with intellectual disabilities should not be neglected. I ask the Minister to assure the House that services will continue to be provided at Cregg House and that every effort will be made to ensure those families who benefit from this service and the Daughters of Wisdom, who have provided this service for many years, will be spoken to and these services will be maintained.

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