Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response and do not doubt his sincerity concerning the residents of St. Mary of the Angels.

Effectively concern centres on two units, namely St. Fidela's and St. Brendan's. The other 60 residents are housed in chalets and state-of-the-art facilities. It would appear, however, from the Minister of State's response that the whole of St. Mary's will be closed down over a period of time.

The people I have spoken to have told me there has not been any consultation to date. I hope that will change. They are hugely concerned and worried because their loved ones have been at St. Mary's for many years. As I said earlier, one individual has been there for 29 years and has known no other home. The parents and relatives of the residents are very satisfied with the services provided and speak glowingly of the staff and facilities.

A lot of the money used in St. Mary of the Angels was raised by local people when the State failed them.

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