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

I thank the Deputies for their support for Cuisle.

I take on board the points they raised, particularly with regard to staff. I will convey their views and concerns to the HSE.

The Deputies mentioned the Irish Wheelchair Association partnering with hotels. This is to provide people with disabilities with modern and fully-inclusive independent hotel breaks at a range of locations, with easy access to local towns and a wider choice of amenities. The Irish Wheelchair Association has the ethos of delivering services that respond to the wishes of its members. The new service will be located in accessible hotels in the Galway area and the midlands. The Irish Wheelchair Association is in the final stages of the procurement process and will soon be able to announce the exact locations involved.

I am aware of the matters raised by the Deputies and I agree that there will be an impact on people with high-dependency issues. These will require clarification and I have instructed HSE officials in the past few minutes to ensure that this will happen in consultation with the Irish Wheelchair Association. I will revert to the relevant Deputies with this clarification over the coming days. It is essential that common sense prevails. In that context, the Deputies have put forward sensible solutions. I give a commitment that these solutions will be put on the table in trying to resolve the matter.

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