Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that the Minister for Health is not here to give me an answer in person. I would like to share one minute of my time with Deputy Mary Butler because she has concerns about this important matter which I am raising on behalf of the families, residents and staff of the Camphill community in Ballytobin, County Kilkenny. In recent days the independent regulator, HIQA, has issued a notice of determination to cancel the registration of the Ballytobin facility. It followed a two-week stay during which those involved with the Camphill community in Ballytobin had a short opportunity to address issues related to safeguarding and governance. The notice of determination came as a shock to many parents who were under the impression that the community was very close to HIQA registration in October 2016. The parents and guardians of residents of the facility are concerned that their loved ones will face relocation if a resolution to this HIQA action cannot be found. That would be very unfortunate. Parents have told me about the great respect they have for the staff at the facility. Staff have established fantastic relationships with residents, some of whom have been at Ballytobin for over 40 years. Parents and residents are hopeful that if another service provider can be found and the issues flagged by HIQA can be identified and rectified, the community could be retained in its current form. If the residents of the Camphill community in Ballytobin have to be relocated to an alternative location, they will face a tough adjustment.

I have taken many calls from parents and guardians who have huge praise for the unique and holistic approach taken at the Camphill facility in Ballytobin where heavy medication is a last resort. One mother has told me she is extremely worried that as a result of this decision, her son will be heavily medicated for behavioural challenges and will not experience the fullness of life he currently enjoys as a resident of the Camphill community in Ballytobin. I have also been contacted by a musician who regularly visits the community. This is how he has described his time at Ballytobin:

My experience of life in Ballytobin from an outside perspective has been of a community full of joy and happiness. The relationship between the co-workers and residents seemed to me to be both professional and deeply caring. I have never experienced such a close bond in any other care community anywhere.

The parents, guardians, staff and residents are desperate for this unique community to be saved, but that will not happen unless the HSE takes temporary charge until an alternative service provider can be secured. It would be a shame to close the facility owing to minor red tape infractions which could be easily identified and rectified. Can the Government advise me of its plans in that regard?

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