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

I assure Deputies Ferris and Healy-Rae that I will visit the centre. I would be delighted to see it.

To be honest, I disagree with some of the points made by the Deputies. I want bring an end to the situation where persons with disabilities are housed in large institutions. That is my policy, vision and plan. I have €100 million over five years at my disposal to do something about this. Of course, I listened to what the Deputies said regarding the fears and concerns of parents. I also take the point that in the past people were moved into the community but were not provided with support services. That will not happen on my watch.

I agree that we must be very vigilant about how money is spent. Further, I accept the point that there was no consultation and that is not acceptable. I had a meeting in my office about 20 minutes ago with representatives from St. Michael's House. St. Michael's House provides fantastic services and is very focused on consultation with parents through a parents forum. It recognises the importance of letting the service users and their families make important decisions. I accept the argument that one size does not fit all. I accept it totally.

We need to have an equal partnership between the service providers and the people with disabilities. Two days ago, I came across a centre in Dublin city that has started the process of moving out from a congregated setting into smaller units in the community. Members of staff have been transferring as well. The CEO of that company told me that the transfer was very difficult for some of the staff and some of the individuals for the first few weeks. Some of the staff had been working in the institution for so long that they had become institutionalised. Having said that, they are now in the community. Services are being provided to four people in a beautiful house in south Dublin. That is the way I want to go forward. As far as I am concerned, the days of institutions are over. I will listen to the parents and engage in full consultation with them.

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