Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I am glad he accepts St. Michael's House is experiencing major challenges in the current economic climate. There is a huge crisis in regard to the services in St. Michael's House. All summer families came to my clinics and they have contacted me about day care services, transport issues and respite. They even contacted me from the constituency of the Minister, Deputy Reilly, because of the lack of services. The reality is that €12 million has been taken out of St. Michael's House services over the past two and a half years.

St. Michael's House has 1,663 service users and 454 residential places and those people are frightened. The parents of adults with severe physical and intellectual disabilities are worried about the transport issue in that they will not be able to get to their centres in the morning. Some parents have told me they might have to give up their jobs to try to facilitate their children.

The Minister of State spoke about productivity and efficiency. St. Michael's House has taken major cuts and has carried out reforms and has cut administrative costs by 34%. Absenteeism is down to 3.5%. It delivers an efficient service and yet the Minister has withdrawn money from it and now the services are in crisis.

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