Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Given that the Government has already significantly cut funding for services for people with disabilities, will he rule out, as I believe he should, further cuts to funding for critical services destined for people with disabilities, irrespective of what ongoing strains there may be with the board and the chief executive officer of Rehab? It is important the innocent are not penalised for the failures of senior management in any entity. Likewise, it is important service-users are respected and protected while the excellent staff of Rehab providing front-line service, care and supports are recognised for the role they play, as well as fund-raisers. Those who donate are innocent and are heroic in what they provide. It is important there is no conflict in this situation. Whatever actions may need to be taken in the event of non-compliance, they should not involve a reduction in funding destined for front-line service provision for people with disabilities.

There is a need for an independent investigation. I make that case because the Health Service Executive, Rehab and other structures are making claim and counter-claim in regard to what was agreed and what was understood. I do not know, and we do not know, who is giving us the full facts. That is why an independent third party should be engaged to establish the full facts and who will have our confidence in presenting their report.

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