Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the programme for Government in respect of respite services, Deputies Eugene Murphy and Fitzmaurice, Senator Leyden and I met last night regarding the planned closure tomorrow of the Cuisle centre in County Roscommon. It is an issue of concern to the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, who is present, also. We are deeply disappointed that the Irish Wheelchair Association, an organisation that receives €110,000 a day in public funds, has not to date postponed the closure of Cuisle. We are also surprised by the contradictions given in evidence to the Joint Committee on Health by the Irish Wheelchair Association last week, given the comments made yesterday by the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath. We are requesting that the Government calls on the Irish Wheelchair Association to pause this unnecessary closure until the community has had the opportunity to explore an alternative operational model for the facility.

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