Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Stewarts Care in Palmerstown is in my constituency. I have an aunt who is a long-term resident there. Over the years I got to know many of the service users. In my previous role as the Mayor of South Dublin, I invited the communities service users council to the mayor’s reception, which was a fantastic day. It is no surprise to me that several day service users have contacted me with concerns that the services have either stopped or have been really diminished. This does not only apply to Stewarts Care but people with intellectual disabilities also experience mental health challenges as they struggle without the service they once relied upon pre-Covid-19. The structure and supports that they relied upon for their individual personal development have disappeared overnight. Not only were these structures taken away from the service users, they were also taken away from their carers. There was no respite for their carers. Family carers who are often elderly have been providing support to people with complex needs at home, including providing personal care to their adult sons and daughters for over six months due to reduced capacities in services. They are now at breaking point. These carers need a break.

The second point I want to make is on St. John of God community services, which has announced the transfer of its services to the HSE. Currently, they provide services to 8,000 people. It also employs 3,000 staff and has a number of volunteers on more than 300 sites across the State. I raised this issue with the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan, on Questions on Promised Legislation and asked that the Government formulate a plan so that the people who use St. John of God's do not experience a diminution in services. I also seek clarification that those employed by St. John of God will retain the same terms and conditions in their contracts. The Minister, Deputy Ryan, agreed to send me the Government’s response and I am still waiting for that. I subsequently wrote to the Minister, and submitted questions to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, but I still have no response. The Government silence on this issue seems to be deafening. The 8,000 service users, the 3,000 employees and the volunteers of St. John of God need answers and clarifications.

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