Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for taking this very important matter. I ask him to reverse the decision being made by the HSE and St. John of God services. Not only are they talking about moving 17 people out of these wards, they are also talking about closing down the entire facility. We are told this is a HSE national policy that was ordained in 2011. One size does not fit all and I am sorry but many of these people are not fit to live on their own. I saw that for myself on Friday last. We would all be delighted if some of those at the facilities could make in the outside world but it is my firm belief - and that of many of hose involved - that this is only an attempt by the HSE to throw responsibility back on the families. These are old people and it is difficult enough for them to mind themselves. They are brothers and sisters with their own families and are involved in a tough struggle to survive as matters stand. Their relatives come home for weekends and at other times.

That is very much appreciated.

The cost of keeping one person in a house in a community is €600 per week. Neither the HSE nor the country has that kind of money. I know of an 89 year old woman who had two hours of home help per week which has now been cut back to one hour. Hospital beds are not available for patients who need operations and those operations are being held up. I ask the Minister of State to determine how much time HSE officials have spent on this project. Is this how valuable money is being spent?

I thank the staff who work in the centre for the loving care and attention they give to the residents and to their families. They are part of the extended family really. They work together and provide a great service. I ask the Minister of State not to break this up.

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