Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, along with the Minister of State with responsibility for disability, Deputy Rabbitte, is committed to improving services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives. This year, the HSE will provide more than 8,300 residential places to people with disabilities and will continue working with agencies to explore various ways of responding to this need in line with available resources.

On the residential care facility in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, I understand that the premises was developed by Respond housing agency in partnership with Monaghan County Council. As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE has been working to make the building operational as a residential care facility for people in the region who have physical or sensory disabilities within the resources available to it.

I am informed that the HSE undertook a procurement process for an external service provider to run the facility and an organisation was identified, but at a cost that exceeded the budget available. I  understand the HSE intends to seek the additional funding required to open this group home through the 2021 Estimates process. In the interim, outstanding minor works relating to the building remain the subject of engagement between the HSE and Respond.

As the Deputy will appreciate, I, on behalf of the Minister, cannot comment at this stage on the outcome of the Estimates process or matters which will be the subject of national service planning in 2021.

See this speech in context