John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue regarding L'Arche Kilkenny, which has been in negotiation with the HSE for increased funding in respect of the excellent services it delivers in Kilkenny to those who are obliged to access them. The response of the HSE in respect of this matter has been extremely disappointing L'Arche Kilkenny was obliged to carry out significant works to the tune of approximately €300,000 to satisfy HIQA and to meet the standards now required - to FETAC level 5 - of the individuals it employs. It was happy to do all of that but in its negotiations with the HSE, the matter has been put on the long finger. This negotiation has been ongoing since July and moneys were to be paid to L'Arche to ensure that both its expenses and the debt incurred would be covered up to the end of 2015. Thereafter, an increased level of funding will be required by the organisation.

In Kilkenny, L'Arche is running at a deficit of €18,000 a month and it is extremely concerned that it may have to close its service. One family with which I have dealt directly were obliged to try to negotiate with regard to care for their loved one but, again, they were disappointed by the response from the HSE. Those to whom I refer are advocating for family members, some of whom, presumably, are of the same age as the person being cared for; they might be brothers or sisters. Why put those families through the stress and difficulties they are now experiencing? The parents and others involved came together to hold a public meeting and issued a statement to the local newspapers expressing their disappointment with the response from the HSE. In the covering letter sent to me they state that they have no faith in the HSE to deliver the funding which has been half promised for so long. They are angry and upset that some of their elderly parents are being put through this worry and upset at this time of their lives. They say that for some residents it is a brother or sister that takes on the role of advocate, and they want it to be known that they will not sit idly by. Why do they have to fight like this? Why is the service not recognised by the Department? The funding, which has been half committed, should be given to L'Arche in a spirit of good faith and partnership so that it can continue, without worry, to the end of 2015. It should be given an early indication of the increase it will receive in the context of its funding for 2016. It is extremely unfair to the individuals to whom I refer and to the organisation in question.

Something similar is happening in regard to respite at St. Patrick's special school. Funding is available but the allocation of it has been parked while the delivery of a service is being examined. While the allocation of such funding is being parked, parents are obliged to deal with this issue. They are stressed out and at the end of the their tether. Why would we not ensure that professionals are put in place speedily and this respite is given?

In the same vein, Tír na nÓg in Carlow provides respite services for children with special needs. It is seeking €320,000 from the HSE to provide, in co-operation with a local developer, the services that are necessary in Carlow. This organisation has also been stonewalled by the HSE in meeting after meeting. It has received no actual response from the executive on the delivery of the funding that is necessary to continue and expand the services or, in its case, to ensure it is given the appropriate capital fund.

The Supplementary Estimates are being released today. Surely there is sufficient funding within the latter to give commitments to the end of 2015 and that thereafter - because the Minister of State knows its case - the necessary funding can be put in place without an argument. This would mean that all the stress and trauma that goes with all engaging in public action and activity in respect of the shortfall in funding for those being cared for would be done away with. If my suggestion were followed, each entity to which I have referred would know what it is going to receive and that would allow it to plan accordingly.

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