Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not very happy with the response. I already addressed the issue of why there is not 100% take-up of the places, which is because of the transport issues. I wish to point out a daily payment is made by users of the facility. It is not that I want to bring money or commerce into the scenario. I attended the opening of the service more than a year ago and the joy of the users and family members was very evident. I pay tribute to the excellent staff.

Only a few short months ago, less than a year since the facility was opened, I found families there in the midst of huge distress because the location of the unit is totally uncertain after April. There is no mention in the response whatsoever of the unit in Drogheda Street, which will be refurbished. It makes complete sense to have it there. I ask the Minister of State to ask his colleague about this, and impress on him the importance of relocating the unit back to Drogheda Street.

I know I do not have to tell the Minister of State, but I want to re-emphasise the fact these illnesses have a very far-reaching effect on more than just the sufferer. These diseases are absolutely relentless. They may be gradual but they are absolutely relentless. The families of the patients and the carers have their lives changed beyond all recognition. The victims of this silent disease are on many occasions unable to make their voices heard. Often their carers and families are far too busy caring to be able to take up the issue and to lobby and start a campaign to make their lives a little more bearable.

As I stated, Martina Foster was the first person to contact me. Since she did, the number of people who have contacted me who are outraged at the reduction in services has been constant. Families of the individuals are contacting me looking for support and asking to plead their case. On their behalf I plead with the Minister of State and the Government to assist the Alzheimer Society of Ireland to locate a suitable premises. As I stated, the unit in Drogheda Street in Monasterevin is absolutely the place to be. This is an essential service and it is imperative we are able to ascertain this is the place to have a service beyond April 2017.

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