Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I remarked at a meeting of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight earlier that things are still unwell in the state of Angola. Despite the Department of Health's provision of more than €17 billion, an increase of 11.6% on last year's budget, its overrun is projected to be more than €150 million by the end of the year. I believe managers are being told by the budgetary oversight group in the Department of Health to take corrective measures. Sruthan House is clearly one of the victims. What we used to call cuts are now called interventions or operating to a budget.

Last week, service users in Sruthan House, Dundalk, and their families received a letter from the HSE saying the facility would close down by the end of the year. Sruthan House is operated by the HSE in partnership with the Irish Wheelchair Association and provides respite and holiday service for adults with physical or sensory disabilities or both. It has operated for the past 23 years and caters for more than 50 clients with a staff of 14.

I have seen the letter that was sent to clients and it is an understatement to say I am appalled. The letter said that because of the prioritising the provisions of services to enhance cost efficiency and continuous quality improvement, Sruthan House will be closing by year end. Clients were told that the HSE would continue to offer respite services through facilities in Roscommon, Sligo and Dublin.

How can closing this 23 year old service, which has had no complaints and nothing but admiration, and telling people with these disabilities to travel in excess of 100 km to a service in Roscommon, Sligo or Dublin, be described as quality improvement?

The HIQA inspection of the premises in October 2018 found the facility to be fully compliant with all of the regulations and the inspector noted the close bond that existed between the staff and clients, many of whom had made personal connections after using the services for years. The inspector observed an atmosphere of friendliness in the house and that the staff were kind and respectful towards residents through positive, mindful and caring interactions. Questionnaires submitted to the residents and their families relayed positive comments about staff at the centre. One resident summed it up by stating the staff were very friendly and provided a welcoming home from home atmosphere. Clients further commented that Sruthán House has given them back their lives. Family members have said the facility is invaluable and that clients look forward to the next day when leaving Sruthán House. Sruthán House allows those with physical and sensory disabilities to meet new people and get a few days away from home. It is simply irreplaceable.

The HSE's letter went on to invite clients and family members to discuss their concerns about the proposed changes. The letter began by stating it will close in December this year and suddenly decided to invite staff to discuss the proposed changes. It was a cold, crass letter telling these people with disabilities they are losing the respite service in their community after 20 years. They are simply not in a position to travel the distances in question.

I am aware of the commitment of the Minister of State to disability services and two disability service houses have been opened, in Balbriggan and Dundalk, to which he committed. I ask him to tell me the sense in providing two new facilities while closing an excellent service. It does not make sense and corrective action needs to be taken before December.

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