Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As mentioned earlier, there is great emphasis in the programme for Government on A Vision for Change and care for the elderly and those with disabilities. In my constituency, that seems to be occurring through the privatisation of services. That is particularly evident in respect of the respite service in Sligo, where Solas House has been closed and we have been told that private providers will be using it. Patients have been moved out of St. John's Community Hospital, many of them into private nursing homes. In other cases, no service is being provided with the result that many people are left without any respite service and many are being brought, in absolute distress, to CAMHS. When will the Government realise the extent of this problem?

Will the Taoiseach do something to ensure that investment is put in place to provide services for people with disabilities, elder care and mental health services?

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